Condensation Polymerisation

Question 1

What is condensation polymerisation?

Answer 1

Joining of bi-functional monomer units. The chain polymer is formed with the elimination of small molecules from the functional groups.

Question 2

Why is the polyamide NYLON 6:6 named this way?

Answer 2

There are 6 carbon atoms in each monomer.

Question 3

What is NYLON 6 made of?

Answer 3

A single bi-functional group monomer.

Question 4

What are the physical properties of nylon?

Answer 4

• Have intermolecular H bonds + VDW forces between the chains.
• Stronger than those found in most polymers; gives NYLON’s significantly greater mechanical strength.

Question 5

Uses of nylon?

Answer 5

In clothing, ropes, fishing twine + nets, zips etc.

Question 6

What are the physical properties of P.E.T. (Terylene)?

Answer 6

Intermolecular dipole-dipole and VDW forces of attraction between the chains. Weaker than nylons.

Question 7

Uses of P.E.T.?

Answer 7

In packaging of food and drink containers, in making crease-resistant clothing.

Question 8

Both NYLON and P.E.T. find extensive use in the manufacture of clothing. Why is care with such clothes required in laboratory environments?

Answer 8

Acids and alkalis in the lab will cause hydrolysis of the ester and amide linkages.

Question 9

Describe the properties of the polymer found between

(i) 1,4 - benzenedioic acid and
(ii) propan-1,2,3-ol

Answer 9

The ‘third’ OH group allows for 3D covalent cross links to form between the chains.
This gives a hard, rigid 3D lattice structure.
It is a thermoset.
Uses: superglues, work top surfaces.

Question 10

Give the similarities of addition and condensation polymerisation.

Answer 10

1) Both processes involve the formation of long chain molecules from many smaller molecules.
2) Both polymer chains can be represented by a repeat unit.
3) Both processes involve a decrease in entropy (chaos) of the system i.e. the system becomes more ordered.

Question 11

Give the differences between addition and condensation polymerisation.

Answer 11

1) Addition polymers are thermoplastics. Condensation polymers can be either thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics.
2) Condensation polymerisation involves the elimination of small molecules; Addition polymerisation does not.
3) Condensation polymerisation involves 2 functional groups within the monomers; Addition only one (C=C).