Polymers

• What are the two types of polymerisation?

  Addition and condensation
• What is addition polymerisation?

  • Forms when unsaturated monomers react
  • Monomers contain C=C bonds
  • Chain forms by repeating the same basic unit
• What are poly(alkenes) known for?

  They are chemically inert and non-biodegradable
• How do you draw the polymer repeating unit for an alkene?

  Draw the monomer with groups around the double bond
• What is condensation polymerisation?

  • Involves two different monomers
  • A small molecule is released (e.g., H2O or HCl)
  • Common types: polyesters and polyamides
• What is formed in condensation polymerisation?

  An ester or amide linkage
• What functional groups do the monomers in condensation polymerisation usually have?

  Same functional group on both ends
• What reactions are used to form polyesters and polyamides?

  1. Carboxylic Acid + Alcohol → Ester + water
  2. Acyl chloride + Alcohol → Ester + HCl
  3. Carboxylic Acid + Amine → Amide + water
  4. Acyl chloride + Amine → Amide + HCl
• What is Terylene?

  A common polyester used in clothing
• What is the significance of the -1 in the Terylene formation equation?

  It accounts for H and OH at chain ends
• What is Nylon 6,6?

  • A common polyamide
  • 6 carbons in each of the monomers
  • Different lengths produce different polyamides
• What type of polymer is formed from dicarboxylic acid and diamine?

  Polyamide
• What is the classification for condensation polymers?

  Type of polymer is polyamide or polyester
• How can polyamides and polyesters form from one monomer?

  • One monomer contains both functional groups
  • Can react to form the polymer
• What is the common use of Terylene fabric?

  Clothing and tire cords
• What are the disposal methods for polymers?

  1. Landfill
  2. Incineration
  3. Recycling
• What is the issue with landfill disposal of polymers?

  Many are reaching capacity and non-biodegradable
• What is the benefit of incineration for waste disposal?

  Energy produced can generate electricity
• What is a drawback of incineration?

  Toxins can be released during burning
• What are the challenges of recycling polymers?

  • Saves raw materials from crude oil
  • Expensive process in terms of energy and manpower
  • Requires careful separation for recycling
• How can polyesters and polyamides be broken down?

  By hydrolysis, making them biodegradable
• What happens during hydrolysis of polyesters and polyamides?

  Original monomers are formed in salt form
• What types of intermolecular bonding exist in condensation polymers?

  • Polyesters: Permanent dipole forces and van der Waals forces
  • Polyamides: Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces
• Why do polyamides have higher melting points than polyesters?

  Due to hydrogen bonding in polyamides
• What explains the reactivity of condensation polymers?

  Presence of polar bonds attracting nucleophiles
• What type of link does the polymer with both amide and ester link have?

  Both amide and ester link
• What is the role of NaOH in the hydrolysis of polymers?

  It helps in breaking down the polymer
• What is the result of hydrolysis of polyamides and polyesters?

  Formation of original monomers