Lecture 01: Characteristics of Polymers

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Lecture 01, focusing on polymer characteristics and the influence of various elements and bonds on polymer properties.

Polymers

Large molecules composed of repeating structural units called monomers, connected by covalent bonds, providing properties like strength, flexibility, elasticity, and thermal resistance.

Monomers

Repeating structural units that compose polymers, linked together by covalent bonds.

Covalent Bonds in Polymers

Chemical bonds where atoms share electrons to achieve a stable configuration, crucial for holding monomers together in long chains or networks, influencing the strength and flexibility of polymers.

Van der Waals Forces

Relatively weak attractive forces present between all atoms and molecules, contributing to the physical properties of substances, such as melting and boiling points.

Hydrocarbons

Basic structure of polymers, composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked by covalent bonds, forming linear, branched, or cyclic chains.

Carbon's Role in Polymers

Essential element in plastic materials due to its ability to form stable bonds with itself and other elements, creating chains of virtually any length.

Single Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where two atoms share one pair of electrons.

Multiple Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds that include double (two shared electron pairs) and triple (three shared electron pairs) covalent bonds.

Effect of Single Bonds in Polymers

Polymers with single bonds tend to be relatively flexible and have good resistance to chemical degradation.

Effect of Double Bonds in Polymers

Polymers with double bonds can result in increased rigidity and the potential for enhanced chemical reactivity.

Effect of Triple Bonds in Polymers

Polymers with triple bonds tend to have exceptional stiffness and high electrical conductivity.

Effect of Oxygen Atoms in Polymers

Enhance chemical reactivity, hydrophilicity, flammability, and biocompatibility.

Effect of Nitrogen Atoms in Polymers

Influence chemical reactivity, hydrophilicity, flammability resistance, and biocompatibility.

Effect of Chlorine Atoms in Polymers

Enhance chemical resistance, hydrophobicity, and act as flame retardants, but may have limited biocompatibility and environmental concerns.

Effect of Aromatic Units in Polymers

Provide chemical resistance, hydrophobicity, UV resistance, and rigidity, but may have limited biocompatibility.