1. Properties of plastics You should understand: That monomer used affects a plastic’s properties Plastic’s properties change in different conditions Why plastic is good at it’s job

2. Plastic Plastic made up of large chains of monomers Formed in polymerisation reactions Chains tangle together to form strong webs How are the monomers held together in chains?

3. May the force be with you Atoms held together with strong chemical bonds Intermolecular forces Depend on: –Which monomer –Conditions of polymerisation Some weak Some strong

4. What do we call the forces between polymer chains?

5. Weak forces Heat – softens Cools – hardens Thermosoftening or thermoplastic

6. Strong bonds Heat – doesn’t soften

7. What do we call a plastic that softens when heated? What do we call a plastic that does not soften when it is reheated?

8. Bouncy custard Carry out a polymerisation reaction using the plastic poly vinyl acetate (PVA Glue) Custard contains a natural polymer - starch Borax – acts to form cross links between the 2

9. Why would a thermosetting plastic be used to produce a kettle? Polymer A starts to soften at 400 o C while polymer B softens at 150 o C. Use your knowledge of intermolecular forces to explain why.