Polymer Products

Plastic bagPolymer: Low-density poly(ethene) (LDPE)

Polymerisation at high temperature and pressure

Plastic bottlePolymer: High-density poly(ethene) (HDPE)

Catalyst allows polymerisation to occur at lower temperature and pressure

Plastic cratePolymer: isotactic poly(propene)

Close-packed chains produce strong polymer

Road paint (lines)Polymer: atactic poly(propene)

Loosely-packed chains produce softer polymer

Cling filmPolymer: poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) or low-density poly(ethene) (LDPE)Plasticiser and extremely thin sheets produce stretchy, clingy material

Double-glazed window edgesPolymer: poly(chloroethene) (PVC)

No plasticiser produces a rigid polymer

Electrical cable insulationPolymer: poly(chloroethene) (PVC)

Addition of plasticiser produces a flexible polymer

Non-stick panPoly(tetrafluoroethene) (PTFE)

Carbon-fluorine bonds create useful non-stick property