Polymers

• large molecule created by linking smaller individual molecules caled monomers

• “many units” of something

  • ex: ethylene and polyehtylene

• Carbon connects the monomers together

• The reaction to create a polymer is polymerization

Chain Growth Polymer

• this is the type of polymer created by the addition of one monomer to another

General repeat unit for polyvinyl chloride

• Parenthesis lets us no the “connections” for one unit of the monomer

• when this monomer is eventually repeated n times it forms monomer

Step-Growth polymers (Condensation reaction)

• again monomers are combined together, but when combining they have to release a byproduct which is more often than not water

• Ester group: When an oxygen molecule is bonded to another oxygen atom O-C=O

Physical properties of Polymers

• Depends on how tightly packed/connected the polymer is

• Branching polymers create non-crystalline, amorphus solids.

  • basically even if they are bonded, the physical bond is just branching and not tightly connected to one another thus no reinforcement on the carbon

  
  

Low density poly X

• This is the branching connection

• it has low molecule mass, low density, and overall strength. It rips and stretches easily

• Weak London dispersion connection

High density poly x

• this is when the physical properties are tightly packed

• Because of its tight packed nature, it makes its london force (connection) stronger, and thus fibers are stronger

• Despite its tight packed nature it is lightweight, it is also water repelent and resist tears because of its strong bond

• High molecular mass around millions