3.3.12 Polymers

• Define a monomer

  Small repeating units from which polymers are made
• Monomers of addition polymers

  Alkenes with C=C bonds
• Monomers of of condensation polymers

  Diamines, amino acids, diCOOH with diols
• Example of addtion polymers

  Polyethene, PVC, polypropene
• Example of condensation polymers

  Polyesters, polyamides, kevlar, nylon, terylene
• Biodegradability with addition polymers

  Non-biodegadable
• Why aren't addition polymers not biodegradeable

  Due to absence of polar bonds in the main chains
• Are condensation polymers biodegradable

  Yes
• Why are condensation polymers biodegradable


  Due to the presence of C-N or C-O bonds in the main chaine
• How does condensation polymersiation occur

  Joining of 2 monomers
• Name the 2 types of condensaton covered

  Polyesters and polyamides
• Polyesters

  Alcohols and COOH
• Polyamides

  Amines and COOH
• Prep of polyester from OH and COOH

  Esterification, water was eliminated
• Use of terylene

  Plastic bottles, clothing, carpets
• Use of polypropene

  Fibres for carpets
• Use of nylon

  Clothing, carpets, rope
• Benefits of nylon

  Strong and resistant to abrasion
• Use of kevlar

  Bullet proof vests, crash helmets
• Name of link polypeptides link together

  peptide
• Polyester physical property

  Permanent dipole between chains
• Properties of terylene and polyactic acid

  Dipole, IMF, moderate melting point and rigidty, cannot slip or slide due to chain, C-O bond weak so can be hydrolysed, renewable, biodegradeable
• Properties of Kevlar and nylon

  H-bonding, higher melting point, more rigid, C-N bond weak so can be hydrolysed, biodegradable, renewable
• Why can addition polymers be broken down

  Chemically inert, non-biodegradable
• What are the bonds that break down in hydrolysis

  C-O and C-N