6.2.3 Polyesters And Polyamides

Question 1

What are the types of polymerisation

Answer 1

Addition and condensation

Question 2

Addition polymer

Answer 2

Forms when unsaturated monomers react to form a polymer
Monomers contain C=C bonds
Chain forms when the same basic unit is repeated over and over
Same as year 12 polymers

Question 3

Why are poly alkenes chemically inert

Answer 3

Due to the strong C-C and C-H bonds and non-polar nature of the bonds and therefore non-biodegradable

Question 4

What are the two most common types of condensation polymers

Answer 4

Polyesters
Polyamides
Involve the formation of an ester linkage or amide linkage

Question 5

Condensation polymerisation

Answer 5

2 different monomers that add together and release a small molecule
Usually given off as a small molecule
These monomers usually have the same functional group on both ends of the molecule (di-amine/di-carboxylic acid)

Question 6

Equations that forms polyesters

Answer 6

Dicarboxylic acid + diol -> polyester + water

Diacyl dichloride + diol -> polyester + HCl

Dicarboxylic acid + diamond -> polyamide + water

Diacyl dichloride + diamine-> polyamide + HCl

Question 7

Reaction conditions to form polyesters and polyamides

Answer 7

Using carboxylic acids need an acid catalyst and would only give an equilibrium mixture
Acyl chloride doesnt need a catalyst and goes to completion but releases hazardous HCl fumes

Question 8

Terylene

Answer 8

Common polyester

N Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid + n ethane-1,2-diol -> terylene n + 2n-1 H20

Question 9

Uses of terylene

Answer 9

Used in clothing,tire cords

Question 10

Nylon 6,6

Answer 10

Polyamide

N hexanedioic acid + hexane-1,6-diamine -> nylon n +2n-1 H2O

Question 11

What does the 6,6 stand for in nylon

Answer 11

6 carbons in each of the monomers

Different carbon lengths reduce different polyamides

Question 12

Difference between type of polymer and type of polymerisation

Answer 12

Polymer: polyamide/polyester
Polymerisation: condensation

Question 13

What is it also possible for polyamides and polyesters to form

Answer 13

One monomer

If that monomer contains both of the functional groups needed to react

Question 14

Chemical reactivity of condensation polymers

Answer 14

Polyesters and polyamides can be broken down by hydrolysis and are therefore biodegradable
Presence of polar bonds which can attract attacking species such as nucleophiles and acids

Question 15

Hydrolysis

Answer 15

Polyesters and polyamides can be hydrolysed by acid and alkali
Will result in the original monomers forming although the carboxylic acid/amine group will be in salt form depending on whether the conditions are alkaline or acidic

Question 16

Photodegradable polymers

Answer 16

As the C=O absorbs radiation