Polymer Chemistry Ch1 Definitions

Monomer

Single molecular unit, without repeating components

Polymer

A molecule chain comprised of several repeating units (monomers)

Oligomer

A molecule of 5 to 10 repeating units (monomers)

End group

Structural units that terminate polymer chains

Telechelic polymer

A polymer chain with reactive end groups

Backbone

The polymer chain, serving as the main body of the polymer.

Branch

Portions of a polymer that extend from the backbone

Degree of polymerization

The number of monomer units existing in the polymer chain, including the end groups

Average degree of polymerization

The quotient of the total amount of initial monomer and the sum of polymer DPs and unreacted monomer DPs

Homopolymer

Polymer composed of repeating units of identical monomer

Formed by alkene addition

Copolymer

Polymer composed of two or more different modem or units

Random copolymer

Copolymer who's monomory order is random (without pattern)

Alternating copolymer

Copolymer whose different monomer units alternate one after the other

Block copolymer

Copolymer comprised of series of repeating individual monomers

May present as a copolymer of two or more homopolymers

Graft homo (co) polymer

Copolymers where the grafted portion is comprised of the same monomer.

A homopolymer branch grafted to another polymer backbone

Multi block copolymer

Copolymer where the different types of blocks (series of monomers) alternate along the backbone

Diblock copolymer

Copolymer with only a single block (series) of each type

Copolymer of two distinct blocks of units

Triblock copolymer

Copolymer of blocks (series) of monomer units

One type involving two distinct blocks being AB type (-A-B-A-)

Another type involving three distinct blocks being ABC type (-A-B-C-)

Linear polymer

Polymer with no additional structure outside the backbone

Polymer defined solely by the backbone

Branched polymer

Polymer with other chains emanating from the backbone

Network polymer

Polymers formed by the cross-linking of linear and branched polymer chains

Join together by covalent bonds

Star polymer

Polymer with three or more polymer chains emanating from a central structural unit

Macromonomer

Polymer containing a polymerizable double bond at the end of the chain

Ladder polymer

A polymer with recurring fused

I.e two polymer chains connected by several branches (from one to the other)

Dendrimer

Polymers with similar shape to Star polymers but possessing sequentially branching, much like a root system

Cross-linking

For joining of polymers via connection of covalent bonds

Increases polymer resistance to melting flowing and or molding (shape)

Thermosetting polymer

A polymer that is undergone cross-linking thus preventing the polymer from melting

Made insoluble, (may swell in solvent)

Possesses tremendous molecular weight

Thermoplastic

Polymers that are not crossing and thus are soluble; those that are capable of melting, flowing, and being molded into shape