Addition polymerisation

3 marks · Normal

Explain why the preparation of addition polymers such as poly(ethene) does not produce any waste products. State one advantage and one disadvantage of this.

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Must show: Explanation: all atoms used/none left over or lost as waste, Advantage: e.g. efficient use of monomer, no need to dispose of by-products, Disadvantage: e.g. polymer is inert and not biodegradable, causes disposal problems

Also accept: Advantage: no pollution/by-products; Disadvantage: polymer is difficult to dispose of

Common mistakes: Giving environmental factors unrelated to lack of waste

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Explains correctly why addition polymerisation produces no waste products

B2 · 1 mark · States a valid advantage

B3 · 1 mark · States a valid disadvantage

Worked solution

In addition polymerisation, all the atoms from the monomer are included in the polymer, so there are no waste products.

Advantage: The process is efficient and there are no unwanted by-products to dispose of.

Disadvantage: The resulting polymer is very stable and not biodegradable, making disposal difficult.