5.4.4 - Polyesters

Question 1

What is a polyester !?

Answer 1

A polyester is a polymer made of lots of molecules, joined together in a chain by Ester groups

Question 2

How do you make a polyester!?

Answer 2

To make a polyester, you need to mix two types of monomer

Question 3

What are the two types of monomers needed to make a polyester?

Answer 3

Dicarboxylic acid

Diol

Question 4

What is condensation polymerisation !?

Answer 4

This type of polarisation is called condensation polymerisation, because each time a monomer joins the end of the chain. An H2O molecule is lost.

Question 5

Equation for condensation polymerisation:

Answer 5

Question 6

How do you work out the structure of the repeat units when making a polyester?

Answer 6

The best way to start is to highlight the OH in the -COOH groups and then the H in the -OH groups, then get rid of them and join together, whatever is left

Question 7

Example of working out repeat units for ethanedioic acid ➕ ethanediol

Answer 7

Question 8

What is a biopolyester !?

Answer 8

Some polyesters, a biodegradable they are known as biopolyesters,

Question 9

Definition of biodegradable :

Answer 9

Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, can use enzymes to break down the polymer into its monomers and use them as an energy supply

Question 10

Why are biopolyesters advantageous?

Answer 10

because it reduces our reliance on landfill and incineration to dispose of used polyesters