Polymer types. Addition polymers

At the end of this activity, students should be able to:
– classify polymers and describe their basic types: straight–chain, cross–linked, thermoplastic, thermosetting, elastomers
– explain the mechanism of the addition reaction leading to polymerisation, using the example of polyethene
– describe the properties of the most common addition polymers as: polypropene, PVC, polystyrene and Teflon
– explain how plasticisers work.