Synthetic and Condensation Polymers Flashcards

Flashcards about synthetic polymers, addition polymers, disposal and condensation polymers.

Polymers

Large molecules of high relative molecular mass made by linking together large numbers of smaller molecules called monomers.

Addition Polymerisation

The process of linking together large numbers of monomers to form a polymer.

Synthetic Polymers

Substances such as resins, plastics and nylon that are manufactured, as opposed to natural polymers.

Natural or Biological Polymers

Polymers produced by nature.

Addition Polymers

Joining up of many monomers, occurs in monomers containing C=C bonds

Landfills

Waste polymers are disposed of in these sites, but it takes up valuable land as addition polymers are non-biodegradable.

Incineration of Polymers

Polymers release a lot of heat energy when they burn and produce carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Condensation Polymers

Polymers formed when two different monomers are linked together with the removal of a small molecule, usually water.

Polyesters

Polymers formed from two different monomers and produce water.

Terylene

A polyester made from dicarboxylic acid monomers and diols.

Biopolyesters

A specific type of polymers that are synthesized from sugars and plant oils using microorganisms and are able to biodegrade naturally.

Question 1: What is a polymer?

Answer: A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers, connected by covalent bonds.

Question 2: What is the process by which polymers are formed?

Answer: Polymers are formed through a reaction called polymerization.

Question 3: What are the two main types of polymerization?

Answer: The two main types of polymerization are addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.

Question 4: Define addition polymerization.

Answer: Addition polymerization is a process where unsaturated monomers (with double bonds) react to form a polymer without the loss of any small molecule.

Question 5: Give an example of a polymer formed through addition polymerization.

Answer: Polyethylene is an example of a polymer formed through addition polymerization of ethylene monomers.

Question 6: Describe condensation polymerization.

Answer: Condensation polymerization is a reaction where monomers join together, losing small molecules like water or methanol as byproducts.

Question 7: Provide an example of a polymer formed through condensation polymerization.

Answer: Nylon is an example of a polymer produced via condensation polymerization between diamines and dicarboxylic acids.

Question 8: What is a copolymer?

Answer: A copolymer is a polymer made from two or more different types of monomers.

Question 9: How does the structure of polymers affect their properties?

Answer: The arrangement of monomers and their chemical composition in polymers influences properties like strength, flexibility, and thermal stability.

Question 10: What are thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?

Answer: Thermoplastics are polymers that can be melted and remolded, while thermosetting plastics are polymers that, once set, cannot be remolded.