POLYMERISATION

• Condensation polymers


  Form when a water molecule is removed from the species of a reaction
• Types of condensation polymers

  • Polyamides
  • Polyesters
  • Polypeptides
• Polyamide formation


  1. Dicarboxylic acid and diamine react

  2. Water molecule removed

  3. Amide linkage formed
• Polyamides


  • Nylon-6,6
  • Kevlar
• Polyamides


  • Formed from long chain molecules
  • Provide strength
• Polyester formation


  1. Dicarboxylic acid and diol react

  2. Water molecule removed

  3. Ester linkage formed
• Polyesters


  • Terylene (PET)
• Polypeptide formation


  1. Multiple amino acids form polymer

  2. Presence of -NH and -OH groups allows single monomer to produce polymer

  3. Peptide linkage formed
• Hydrolysis of condensation polymers

  1. Water is attracted to polar regions

  2. Polymer links can be broken down
• Condensation polymers


  • Contain polar bonds like ester and amide links
  • Hydrogen bonding and dipoles can form between polymer chains
  • Provides strong structure
• Uses of condensation polymers

  • Bulletproof vests
  • Heat protective materials
• Polyalkenes (addition polymers)


  • Inert with non-polar bonds
  • Not easily broken down
  • Non-biodegradable
• Polyesters and polyamides


  • Can be broken down through hydrolysis due to polarity
  • Biodegradable
  • Can be put in landfill and will gradually break down
• Plastic recycling


  • Difficult and time consuming process
  • Plastics have to be sorted and washed before recycling