3.3.12 Polymers Flashcards
How are condensation polymers formed ?
When a water molecule is removed from a species in a reaction
How are polyamides formed ?
Reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine
What is an amide linkage ?
-CONH-
What is a common example of a polyamide ?
Nylon 6,6
How is a polyester produced ?
Reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diol
What is an ester linkage ?
-COO-
What are polypeptides formed from ?
Multiple amino acids
What is a peptide linkage ?
-CONH-
How are condensation polymers broken back down into their constituent molecules ?
With the addition of H2O
How is hydrolysis of condensation polymers possible ?
As the water is attracted to the polar regions of the molecule meaning the links can be broken down
What are some of the uses of condensation polymers ?
- Bulletproof vests
- Heatproof materials
Why are condensation polymers able to be used for these materials ?
- They contain polar bonds
- Hydrogen bonding and dipoles form between separate polymer chains, holding them together in a strong structure
Are polyalkanes biodegradeable, why/why not ?
Polyalkanes are not biodegradable as they are very inert with non polar bonds so they are not easily broken down into nature.
How are polyalkanes broken down ?
By burning which produces harmful products such as SO2 and CO which can lead to acid rain.
Are polyesters and polyamides biodegradable, why/why not ?
Polyesters and polyamides are biodegradeble as they are polar
