Polymerisation

Question 1

what is a polymer ?

Answer 1

long chain molecules made from joining together many monomers

Question 2

how does an addition polymer differ from a condensation polymer ?

Answer 2

addition polymers do not produce anthing else while condensation plymers form other small molecules

Question 3

what monomers are used to make addition polymers

Answer 3

alkenes

molecules with C=C

Question 4

what monomers are used to make condensation polymers

Answer 4

• dicarboxylic acids with diols
• dicarboxylic acids with diamines
• amino acids

Question 5

examples of addition polymers

Answer 5

• poly(ethene)
• PVC
• poly (propene)

Question 6

examples of condensation polymers

Answer 6

• polyesters (e.g. terylene)
• polyamides (e.g. nylon, Kevlar)

Question 7

how biodegrabable are addition polymers ?

Answer 7

non-biodegradable (due to absence of polar bonds in the main chain (all bonds are C-C)

Question 8

how biodegrabable are condensation polymers ?

Answer 8

biodegradable (due to the presence of polar C-N or C-O bonds in the main chain)

Question 9

what are the types of condensation polymers ?

Answer 9

• polyamide
• polyester
• polypeptide

Question 10

what is a polyamide and how is it formed ?

Answer 10

If a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diamine, a polymer called a polyamide is formed and water is released.

Question 11

What forces arise within the amine link of a polyamide ?

Answer 11

• have hydrogen bonding
• polar bonds which makes them more reactive

Question 12

What forces arise within the ester link of a polyester ?

Answer 12

• permanent dipole-dipole attractions between the polymer chains due to the presence of a C=O polar bonds

Question 13

How can condensation polymers be broken down ?

Answer 13

• Hydrolysis
• Condensation polymers can be broken down back into the constituent molecules by the addition of H2O.
• This is because water is attracted to the polar regions of the polymer meaning the links can be broken down.

Question 14

How useful are condensation polymers and what are some uses ?

Answer 14

• Condensation polymers contain polar bonds such as those in the ester and amide links.
• Hydrogen bonding and dipoles can also form between separate polymer chains, holding them together in a strong structure.
• This makes the polymers very useful for things such as bulletproof vests and heat protective materials.