Finish the table by entering a tick ($\checkmark$) in the right column to show which reaction would polymerise each of the monomers displayed.
Poly(ethene) bags remain in the environment for a long time because they are non-biodegradable. Suggest why.
The repeat unit of one of the polymers used, polylactic acid (PLA), is shown. Draw the monomer structure for PLA.
There has been extensive research into producing biodegradable plastic bags. The repeat unit of one of the polymers used, polylactic acid (PLA), is shown.
Suggest why PLA breaks down more readily in the environment than poly(ethene).
The table gives the melting points of three polymers. Explain the differences in melting point of these three polymers in terms of the intermolecular forces between the chains.