polymerisation

• What is the process by which condensation polymers form?


  A water molecule is removed from the species of a reaction
• What are the three main types of condensation polymers?

  • Polyamides
  • Polyesters
  • Polypeptides
• How are polyamides formed?


  They are formed in a reaction between dicarboxylic acid and a diamine

  
• What is the amide linkage in polyamides?


  • CONH- is the amide linkage
• What is an example of a polyamide?


  Nylon-6,6 made from hexamethylenediamine and hexanedioic acid
• What is another common polyamide?


  Kevlar made from 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid and 1,4-benzenediamine
• Why are polyamides commonly formed from long chain molecules?


  Long chain molecules provide them with strength
• How are polyesters formed?


  They are formed in a reaction between dicarboxylic acids and a diol

  
• What is the ester linkage in polyesters?


  • COO- is the ester linkage
• What is a common example of a polyester?


  Terylene (PET) made from ethanediol and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid
• How are polypeptides formed?


  They are formed from multiple amino acids
• What is the peptide linkage in polypeptides?


  • CONH- is the peptide linkage
• How can condensation polymers be broken down?


  By the addition of H2O through hydrolysis
• Why can condensation polymers be broken down by water?


  Water is attracted to the polar regions of the polymer
• What are the uses of condensation polymers?


  • Bulletproof vests
  • Heat protective materials
• Why are polyalkenes considered non-biodegradable?


  They are very inert with non-polar bonds
• What is a consequence of burning polyalkenes?


  It produces harmful products such as SO2 or CO
• How can polyesters and polyamides be disposed of?


  They can be broken down through hydrolysis
• Why can polyesters and polyamides be put into landfill?


  They are biodegradable and can gradually break down
• What is required for recycling plastics?


  All plastics must be sorted and washed
• Why is recycling plastics considered difficult and time-consuming?


  Because all the plastics have to be sorted and washed