polymers

Addition Polymers

Polymers formed by addition reactions of monomers containing C=C.

Polyethene

An example of an addition polymer commonly known as polyethylene, used as a plastic.

Condensation Polymers

Polymers formed by the reaction between non-identical monomers, resulting in the formation of water.

Polyesters

A group of condensation polymers formed by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, commonly used in fabrics.

Polyamides

A group of condensation polymers formed by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and amines, also used in fabrics.

Proteins

Biomolecules that make up about half of the dry mass of our bodies and perform various functions, composed of amino acid monomers.

Amino Acids

The monomers of proteins, containing a central carbon attached to an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, a hydrogen, and a functional side chain.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed through a condensation reaction between the carboxylic acid of one amino acid and the amine of the neighboring amino acid, resulting in the formation of a polyamide.

London Forces

High-level intermolecular forces experienced by all polymers due to their large size, holding the chains together but allowing flexibility.

Thermoplastics

Polymers held together by London forces only, capable of melting when heated and more prone to degradation during heating or stress.

Thermoset Polymers

Crosslinked plastics that are not softened by heating, strengthened with crosslinking atoms bonding to adjacent chains.

Crosslinking

Strengthening of polymers through the periodic bonding of atoms to adjacent chains.

Attractions Between Chains

Interactions between polymers with different sidechains, such as hydrogen bonding or dipole attractions in condensation polymers.

Fabrics

Materials made from polymers that are flexible but strong enough not to melt in the sun.

Cookware

Utensils coated with heat-resistant polymers that do not melt into food.