Condensation polymerisation

Question 1

What is condensation polymerisation?

Answer 1

• Involves 2 or more monomers with different functional group which react together, making polymre chains
• For ach new bond that forms, a small molecule is given off (usually water)
• This is why it’s called condensation polymerisation (water is produced)

Question 2

Diol + dicarboxylic acid

Answer 2

= condensation polymer + 2n water

Question 3

Addition vs condensation polymerisation

Answer 3

• Addition polymerisation forms the polymer molecule only
• Condensation polymerisation forms the polymer molecule and one water molecule per linkage
• Condensation polymers are biodegradable, addition polymers aren’t

Question 4

What is a dicarboxylic acid and what is a diol?

Answer 4

• Dicarboxylic acid: a compound that contans 2 carboxylic (COOH) functional groups
• Diol: a compound that contains 2 alcohol (OH) functional groups

Question 5

What is needed for condensation polymerisation to take place?

Answer 5

• Each compound must have atleast 2 functional groups
• There must be atleast 2 different fnuctional groups overall

Question 6

Properties of polyesters

Answer 6

• Are biodegradable as decomposers can break down the ester link

Question 7

What is a dimer?

Answer 7

• 2 monomers combined