synthetic polymers

What is polymerisation?

The joining of two smaller molecules, monomers, to make one big molecule, a polymer.

What is a condensation reaction?

A reaction where two or more molecules join together, and in the process, loose a small molecule, such as water.

What is condensation polymerisation?

The polymerisation of two monomers in which each time two monomers combine, a small molecule such as water is lost.

How is a polyester formed?

a polyester is formed when diol monomers join with dicarboxylic monomers.

Describe the forming of a polyester

1. Each time a diol and a dicarboxylic acid monomer combine, a molecule of water is lost with each new bond formed

2. Both monomers react at each end, joining together to form a long chain polymer, held together by lots of water groups.

What is a diol?

An alcohol molecule with one -OH group at each end.

what is a dicarboxylic acid?

A carboxylic acid molecule with one -COOH at each end.

What is a repeat unit?

The basic unit which repeats itself in a chain to form a polymer

What is more reactive and why? An addition polymer or a polyester

Polyesters are more reactive than addition polymers because of the presence of the ester bond, meaning they will biodegrade.

What is a biopolyester?

Polyesters made from lactic acid monomers which are much faster to biodegrade

What are the similarities between addition and condensation polymerisation?

They both join small monomers to make one big molecule, a polymer

What are the differences between addition and condensation polymerisation?

Addition:

• Only 1 product formed

• Only one type of monomer used

Condensation:

• 2 products formed

• Two different monomers used