Properties of polymers

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Polyethene & polypropene are made from monomers. These monomers ADD on to each other so we call them polymers.
Other polymers are formed by . This means another molecule - is made as well as the polymer.
Some polymers have chains. This affects the of the polymer. HDPE (high density polyethene) has branches and is not as strong as LDPE (low density polyethene) which has branches.
Some times have to be added to alter the properties. These allow the polymer chains to over each other which makes the polymer softer & more .
uPVC is the hard polymer used to make frames. If plasticiser is added to this the polymer it produces a soft , flexible substance that can be used for covering.
Some polymers are hard to dispose of. Thermoplastic polymers can be . Many polymers are not (will not rot) and are not affected by acids and other chemicals. There are however some new polymers around that have which allow them to decompose.