Degradable polymers
Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) · Unit 35: Polymerisation (A Level) · 7 flashcards
Degradable polymers is topic 35.3 in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus , positioned in Unit 35 — Polymerisation (A Level) , alongside Condensation polymerisation and Predicting the type of polymerisation. In one line: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down certain polymers. The UV photons provide sufficient energy to break chemical bonds in the polymer chain, leading to degradation.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 7 flashcards — 3 definitions and 4 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 3 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
What type of electromagnetic radiation can degrade some polymers
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down certain polymers. The UV photons provide sufficient energy to break chemical bonds in the polymer chain, leading to degradation.
What the Cambridge 9701 syllabus says
Official 2025-2027 spec · A2 LevelThese are the exact learning outcomes Cambridge sets for this topic. The candidate is expected to be able to do each of these on the relevant paper.
- recognise that poly(alkenes) are chemically inert and can therefore be difficult to biodegrade
- recognise that some polymers can be degraded by the action of light
- recognise that polyesters and polyamides are biodegradable by acidic and alkaline hydrolysis
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9701 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Degradable polymers
- › Read repeat units from left to right and count carbon atoms carefully to identify the original alkene monomers in addition polymers.
Why are poly(alkenes) like poly(ethene) difficult to biodegrade?
Poly(alkenes) possess strong, non-polar carbon-carbon bonds and are chemically inert. This inherent stability makes them resistant to breakdown by microorganisms in the environment, hindering biodegradation.
What type of electromagnetic radiation can degrade some polymers?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down certain polymers. The UV photons provide sufficient energy to break chemical bonds in the polymer chain, leading to degradation.
What is the key difference in bonding that makes polyesters and polyamides biodegradable compared to poly(alkenes)?
Polyesters and polyamides contain polar ester (-COO-) and amide (-CONH-) linkages, respectively, which are susceptible to hydrolysis. Poly(alkenes) contain non-polar C-C bonds which are much more stable and resist hydrolysis.
Name two conditions that can hydrolyse polyesters and polyamides.
Acidic and alkaline conditions. The ester and amide bonds in these polymers undergo hydrolysis when exposed to acids or bases, breaking down the polymer chains.
Explain how the structure of a degradable polymer affects its rate of degradation.
The presence of hydrolysable bonds (like ester or amide links) directly increases degradability. The accessibility of these bonds to water or microorganisms also plays a key role.
Define 'biodegradable'.
A substance that can be broken down into simpler substances (e.g. CO2, water, biomass) by the action of living organisms (bacteria, fungi) or their enzymes. Biodegradable polymers can be broken down naturally.
Describe alkaline hydrolysis of a polyester or polyamide.
Alkaline hydrolysis involves the reaction of the ester or amide bonds with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from a base (e.g. NaOH). This process breaks the polymer chain at the ester/amide linkages, forming smaller molecules.
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All Chemistry FlashcardsMore topics in Unit 35 — Polymerisation (A Level)
Degradable polymers sits alongside these A-Level Chemistry decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Degradable polymers deck
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