Topic 6 - Polyesters (Paper 2) Flashcards
what does condensation polymerisation involve?
two different types of monomers with at least two functional groups
what happens during condensation polymerisation?
two different monomers react together and bonds form between them, making polymer chains. each functional group reacts with the functional group of another monomer, creating long chains of alternating monomers.
when do polyesters form?
when dicarboxylic acid monomers and diol monomers react together, forming an ester link
what do dicarboxylic acid monomers contain?
two carboxylic acid groups
what do diol monomers contain?
two alcohol groups
what type of polymer are polyesters?
condensation polymers as each time an ester link is formed a molecule of water is lost
what are biopolyesters?
biodegradable polyesters which can be broken down by bacteria over time. this reduces the polymers pollutant effect
