Polymers: Introduction to Polymers & Their Properties Flashcards
Define: Polymer
A large molecule (macromolecule) made up of many repeating units
Why are polymers unlikely to be in a gaseous state?
Due to their large size
Define: Aggregate states
The fundamental forms of matter
Solid, liquid, gas
List 4 differences between small molecules and polymers
- Aggregate state
- Dissolution
- Solution properties
- Mechanical properties
Why does the aggregate state differ between small molecules and polymers?
Polymers can not enter a gaseous state
Due to the large size of their molecules
Why does dissolution differ between small molecules and polymers?
Small molecules may not necessarily dissolve Polymers swell (1st stage of dissolution) and gel will gradually dissolve
How does solution viscosity differ between small molecules and polymers?
Polymer solutions have a greater viscosity than that of small MW compounds of the same concentration
What is a mechanical property of a polymer?
Polymers at certain conditions are able to show elasticity and reversible deformations
Define: Monomer
Small molecules used to make polymers
May bind chemically to form polymer
Define: Macromolecule
Large molecule made up of several smaller units, often by polymerisation
Define: Polymer chain
A chain of repeating units (monomers) to form a polymer
When keep adding monomers and the properties don’t change = polymer
When properties do change = oligomer
Define: Degree of polymerisation
The number of monomeric units in a macromolecule/polymer/oligomer
Define: Molecular weight
The weight of 1 mole of substance
Define: Polydispersity
A measure of the distribution of molecular mass in a given polymer
Define: Configuration
An arrangement of molecules in a particular combination
Determined by chemical bonds
It cannot be altered unless these bonds are broken and reformed
