The chemical structure of some polymers

In this section the older common names, rather than the systematic names, are frequently used for organic compounds, as they have largely been retained in polymer names. 

In order to link a large number of molecules, or monomers, together it is necessary for each end of the molecules to be made chemically reactive. Generally, this involves breaking chemical bonds to yield two reactive half-bonds. The simplest starting point for a discussion of this process is the monomer molecule ethene (ethylene)  

Other related polymers are formed by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the monomer ethene with a chemical group of atoms, represented by X. Hence the formula of the monomer becomes CH2=CHX when one hydrogen is replaced. The 

CH2=CH2 (ethene, ethylene) (CH2-CH2) Polyethylene, polythene, PE Squeeze bottles, food bags, dishes, insulation, coatings 

CH2=CHC1 (vinyl chloride) (CH2-CHC1) Poly(vinylchloride), PVC Pipes, floor covering, insulation, adhesives, films, credit cards 

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THE CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF SOME POLYMERS USED AS ADHESIVES... 

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