polymers chem

what is a polymer

A long chained big molecule made up of many small

molecules(monomers) joined together by polymerisation.

what is a condensation polymer

a big molecule formed by the joining of many small molecules (monomers) and small molecules such as water is produced as a byproduct in the process

what substances are involved in making condensation polymers

1. di-carboxylic acid AND

2. di-ol OR di-amine

3. to make polyester / polyamide

which are the known condensation polymers

• terylene (polyester)

• polyamides (nylon)

what are the uses for polyester

1. synthetic fibres for clothings

2. sails

what are the uses for polyamides

1. fishing lines

2. camping tents

3. ground sheets

why are synthetic polymers sometimes more preferred over natural polymers

1. their fibres are usually stronger and more durable

what is an addition polymer

a big molecule formed by the joining of many

what are the physical properties of addition polymers

1. much higher Mp than monomer

2. MP is not fixed since polymer is a mixture of long molecules of different lengths

3. solid at RPT (low Mp at <200ºc)

chemical properties of addition polymers

1. no reaction with aq bromine

2. burns in air forming CO2 and H2O vapour (CO and C might form due to incomplete combustion

3. other toxic gases can form if polymer contain other atoms

use of polythene

1. food wrapper

2. plastic bottle

use of polychloroethene

water pipes

use of polyphenylethene / polystyrene

disposable food containers

also known as syrofoam

use of perspex

plastic window

what is hydrolysis

the breakdown of polymer when they react with water