CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Polymerisation
Poly(ethene) is a poly(alkene). Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a polyester. Nylon-6,6 is a polyamide. Describe how the chemical structures of these polymers affect their ability to biodegrade. Include in your answer an explanation of why poly(ethene) is difficult to biodegrade, how poly(alkenes) can be made to degrade by light, and the conditions under which polyesters and polyamides degrade by hydrolysis.
7 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 7 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
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