Organic - Polymers Flashcards
What molecules can form condensation polymers?
Molecules which possess COOHS groups and OH group or COOH groups and NH2 groups
What is eliminated when a condensation polymer is formed?
Water or HCl
What are the two types of condensation polymers?
Polyester
Polyamides
What is a polyester?
A condensation polymer formed between:
- a diol and a carboxylic acid (to eliminate water)
- using a diacyl chloride and an diol (to eliminate HCl)
How many molecules of water are eliminated for the formation of one repeating unit?
Two
What is the bonding in polymers?
There are hydrogen bonds between the chains of polymers in polyamides due to the presence of C=O bonds and N-H bonds.
Polyesters have permanent dipole dipole attractions between the polymer chains due to the presence of the polar C=O bonds.
What is a biodegradable polymer?
One that can be broken down in the environment by the action of micro-organisms.
Condensation polymers and PET are biodegradable.
Addition polymers are not biodegradable.
What are the disadvantages of landfill?
- Often pollutes the land with polymers which will take hundreds of years to decompose.
- Leach compounds into the soil
- Releases methane
What are the advantages of landfill?
The most cost effective method of waste disposal.
What are the disadvantages of incineration?
- Releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
- Produces gases that can cause acid rain
- Expensive
What are the advantages of incineration?
- Saves money with regard to transport as waste can be incinerated locally.
- Prevents unsightly landfill sites
What are the strategies to manage polymer waste?
- Reduction in the use of polymers in packaging
- Reduction in the use of carrier bags
- Use of biodegradable polymers
- Businesses must recycle polymers
