Chemistry Glossary

Addition polymer

Addition polymer - polymers that are made by addition polymerization

Addition polymerization

Addition polymerization - a reaction in which monomer molecules join together repeatedly to form polymer molecules; no atoms are lost from the monomer molecules during the reaction

Biodegradable

Biodegradable - describes materials that can be decomposed by microorganisms

Cellulose

Cellulose - an organic compound with the formula (C6H10O5)n which is the structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants

Condensation polymer

Condensation polymer - polymers that are made by condensation polymerization

Condensation polymerization

Condensation polymerization - a reaction in which monomer molecules join together repeatedly to form polymer molecules; small molecules such as water, hydrogen chloride and ammonia are always formed during th

Cross-link

Cross-link - bonds that link one polymer chain to another

Ester linkage

Ester linkage - a carboxylic acid monomer and an alcohol monomer join to form an ester linkage

High density polythene

High density polythene - polythene that contains much longer polymer chains, does not have branching and is more closely packed

Low density polythene

Low density polythene - polythene that contains short polymer chains with a considerable degree of branching and has an open structure

Monomer

Monomer - a compound whose molecules join together repeatedly to form polymer molecules

Nylon

Nylon - a condensation polymer containing amide linkage made from diamines and dicarboxylic acids; widely used as a textile fibre and replacement for steel parts

Perspex

Perspex - an addition polymer made from the monomer methyl 2-methylpropenoate; widely used as a light or shatter-resistant alternative to glass

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) - an important condensation polymer which is used to make clothes and bottles for carbonated drinks

Polyester

Polyester - condensation polymers containing ester linkage; formed between dicarboxylic acids and diols

Polymer

Polymer - a compound which consists of very large molecules formed by joining together many small molecules repeatedly

Polymerization

Polymerization - the process of repeatedly joining together many small molecules to form very large molecules

Polypropene

Polypropene - an addition polymer made from the monomer propene; widely used in packaging and textiles

Polystyrene

Polystyrene - an addition polymer made from the monomer styrene; widely used in making disc cases and disposable cutlery

Polyvinyl chloride

Polyvinyl chloride - an addition polymer made from the monomer vinyl chloride; widely used in making pipes and outer layers of electrical wires

Repeating unit

Repeating unit - the smallest part of a polymer molecule, and the whole polymer structure can be obtained by repeating it

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic - a plastic that can be melted or softened by heat at relatively low temperatures repeatedly

Urea-methanal

Urea-methanal - a condensation polymer made from urea and methanal; widely used in electrical fittings and handles of frying pans

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