Polymers

Question 1

What is condensation polymerisation?

Answer 1

Polymers which form when a small water molecule is removed

Question 2

What are the 3 types of condensation polymers?

Answer 2

Polyamides - hexanedioic acid and hexamethylenediamine
Polyesters - dicarboxylic acids and a diol
Polypeptides - multiple amino acids

Question 3

How can condensation polymers be broken down?

Answer 3

Hydrolysis -
Addition of H2O. This happens because water is attracted to the polar regions of the polymer links, so it can be broken down.

Question 4

Why are polyalkenes non-biodegradable?

Answer 4

They have no polar bonds so cannot be broken down

Question 5

What are the uses of condensation polymers?

Answer 5

Condensation polymers contain polar bonds. Dipoles and hydrogen bonding can also form between separate polymer chains.
This makes the useful for bulletproof vests and heat protective materials.

Question 6

What is an example of a polyamide?

Answer 6

Nylon-6,6
Kevlar

Question 7

What is an example of a polyester?

Answer 7

Terylene (PET)