Lecture 4

Question 1

What is the main difference of polymers to covalently bond
molecules?

Answer 1

Polymers: large, long-chain molecules made of repeating monomer units, which gives them flexibility and unique mechanical properties like elasticity and toughness
smaller covalently bonded molecules: have fixed structures and predictable properties. The size and structure of polymers allow them to form entangled networks, leading to applications in plastics, rubber, and biological systems, whereas small covalent molecules are more limited in size and function.

Question 2

Where have we seen repeated structures before other than polymers?

Answer 2

crystals

Question 3

Why are chemical engineers so abundant in the polymer industry?

Answer 3

They develop the chemical reactions and processing methods required to synthesize polymers from raw materials, ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective production.

Question 4

What is the definition of a polymer?

Answer 4

a very large molecule made from reactive organic functional
groups (monomers)

Question 5

What are the four types of polymer structures?

Answer 5

Linear, branched, crosslinked, network

Question 6

What are the sub-classifications of polymers based upon?

Answer 6

temperature
synthesis
structure

Question 7

What are the chemical structures of polymers based on?

Answer 7

Types of bonds and bond strength
molecular structure
stereoisomers

Question 8

What are some common non-degrading synthetics?

Answer 8

PEG (poly-ethylene glycol)
PE (poly-ethylene)
PES (poly-ethersulfone)
PP (poly-propylene)
PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)

Question 9

What are common biodegradable polymers?

Answer 9

• PLA/PGA (poly-lactic acid, poly-glycolic acid)
• Caprolactone

Question 10

What are some common natural polymers?

Answer 10

• Collagen
• Chitosan
• Cellulose
• Alignate
• Hyaluronic Acid