Chemicals from OilChemicals from OilChemicals from OilChemicals from Oil

PLASTICSPLASTICS

Plastics• When oil is

cracked ethene is often made.

• Ethene is a very useful molecule as it is the starting material for making many plastics.

Plastics• Plastics are huge

molecules.• They are usually

made from chains of thousands of atoms.

• These long chains are called polymers

Plastics• Polymers are

made from joining thousands of small molecules called monomers together.

Plastics• Ethene is a

monomer that joins up to form poly(ethene).

• This reaction is called polymerisation

Plastics• Different plastics

can be made from different monomers.

Uses of Different Plastics

Polyethene• Plastic bags• “Rubber” ducks• Washing up bowl• Plastic dustbins

Uses of Different Plastics

Poly(styrene)• Drink containers• Packaging• Ceiling tiles• Yoghurt pots

Uses of Different Plastics

Poly(vinyl chloride) PVC

• Vinyl records• Drainpipes• Window frames• Plastic rain coat

Uses of Different Plastics

Poly(propene) • Crates• Fishing nets

Uses of Different Plastics

Nylon • Toothbrush• Sports wear• tights

Monomer Polymer

ethene poly(ethene)

styrene poly(styrene)

vinyl chloride poly(vinyl chloride) PVC