4e-Synthetic polymers Flashcards
What are polymers?
Polymers are long-chain molecules made from repeating units called monomers. They can be natural (e.g., proteins, starch) or synthetic (e.g., plastics like poly(ethene)).
What are monomers?
: Monomers are small molecules that chemically bond to form polymers through polymerization.
What is addition polymerization?.
A: Addition polymerization is a process where alkene monomers join together, breaking their C=C double bond to form a long-chain polymer
common polymer and their use
Poly ethene
Polymer- Poly(ethene)
Monomer- Ethene (C₂H₄)
Use- Plastic bags, bottles
common polymer and their use
Poly(propene)
Poly(propene)
Propene (C₃H₆)
Ropes, crates
common polymer and their use
Poly chloroethene)
Poly(chloroethene) (PVC)
Chloroethene (C₂H₃Cl)
Pipes, window frames
common polymer and their use
Poly(tetrafluoroethene)
Poly(tetrafluoroethene) (PTFE/Teflon)
Tetrafluoroethene (C₂F₄)
Non-stick coatings
How do you represent polymerization in equations?
A:
Monomer: C=C double bond (alkene)
Polymer: Single-bonded repeating unit
Example for ethene:
nC₂H₄ → (-C₂H₄-)ₙ
What is condensation polymerization?
A: Condensation polymerization is a reaction where monomers join, forming a polymer and a small molecule byproduct (usually water or HCl).
What are common condensation polymers and their uses?
Nylon
Polymer - Nylon
Monomer- Diamine + Dicarboxylic Acid
Uses- Clothing, ropes
What are common condensation polymers and their uses?
Polyester
Polymer- Polyester
Monomer - Diol + Dicarboxylic Acid
Uses- Fabrics, plastic bottles
How does condensation polymerization differ from addition polymerization?
Addition Polymerization
Monomers: Alkenes
Byproduct: None
Example
Poly(ethene)
How does condensation polymerization differ from addition polymerization?
Condensation Polymerization
Monomers- Monomers with two functional groups
Byproduct- Small molecules (H₂O, HCl)
Example- Nylon, Polyester
Why are synthetic polymers a problem?
Many synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable, leading to waste accumulation and pollution.
Q: How can we reduce polymer waste?A:
Recycling: Reprocessing used plastics into new products.
Incineration: Burning plastics to generate energy (but may release toxic gases).
Biodegradable Polymers: Designing plastics that decompose naturally.
Practical: Investigating Polymerization
Testing the Properties of Polymers
Method: Heat different plastics and observe flexibility, melting points, and burning characteristics.
Observation:
Flexible: Poly(ethene), Poly(propene)
Rigid: PVC, Nylon
Practical: Investigating Polymerization
Investigating Biodegradability
Method: Place different plastics in soil and observe changes over time.
Observation: Biodegradable plastics degrade faster than conventional plastics.
