polyesters and polyamides

Question 1

What are the 2 types of polymerisation?

Answer 1

1. Addition polymerisation.
2. Condensation polymerisation.

Question 2

What is addition polymerisation?

Answer 2

When unsaturated monomers react.

Question 3

What is condensation polymerisation?

Answer 3

Two different monomers that add together with a small molecule usually given off as a side-product (eg, H2O or HCl).
These monomers usually have the same functional group on both ends of the molecule (eg, diamine, dicarboxylic acid, dioil, diacyl chloride).

Question 4

Give the 2 most common types of condensation polymers with their linkage

Answer 4

1. Poly(esters) which contain an ester link (-COO-).
2. Poly(amides) which contain an amide link (-CONH-).
   They form what is called an ester linkage or amide linkage.

Question 5

How and why are polyester and polyamides biodegradable?

Answer 5

● They can be broken down by hydrolysis.
● Due their polar nature attracting attacking species.

Question 6

Why may condensation polymers be photodegradable?

Answer 6

As the C=O bond absorbs radiation.

Question 7

What are condensation polymers hydrolysed by? In what is each hydrolysed more easily?

Answer 7

● Hot (aq) acid or alkali.
● Poly(amides) are hydrolysed more easily with strong acid. ● Poly(esters) are hydrolysed more easily with strong bases.
It can be hydrolysed by water but it’s FAR too slow.

Question 8

What does the base and acid hydrolysis of poly(esters) yield?

Answer 8

1. Base - dicarboxylate salt and diol.
2. Acid - dicarboxylic acid and diol.

Question 9

What does the base and acid hydrolysis of poly(amides) yield?

Answer 9

1. Base - dicarboxylate salt and diamine.
2. Acid - dicarboxylic acid and diammonium.