3.3.12 Polymers

Question 1

why are polyesters + polyamides biodegradable but not polyalkenes?

Answer 1

• they have hydrogen bonding between the molecules
• can be hydrolysed
• bond polarity -> susceptible to nucleophilic attack

Question 2

what are the uses of Kevlar and why is it used for that?

Answer 2

bulletproof vests; because it is tough + lightweight

Question 3

what monomers are used in Kevlar?

Answer 3

• 1,4-benzenediamine
• 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid
• it is a polyamide

Question 4

what are the uses of Nylon-6,6?

Answer 4

• cheap substitute for silk
• used to make ropes, twines + Velcro

Question 5

what monomers are used to make Nylon,6-6?

Answer 5

• 1,6-diaminohexane
• 1,6,-hexanedioic acid

Question 6

what does an ester link look like?

Answer 6

O-C=O

Question 7

what does a peptide link look like?

Answer 7

C=O-N-H

Question 8

how many water molecules are released during condensation polymerisation?

Answer 8

• for every n polymer that is formed, 2n water molecules are produced

Question 9

what is the acronym for terylene and what is it used for?

Answer 9

• PET
• used in plastic drinks bottles, sheeting and clothes

Question 10

what monomers are used to make terylene

Answer 10

• benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid
• ethane-1,2-diol

Question 11

are condesnation polymers stronger or weaker than addition polymers? why is this?

Answer 11

• condensation polymers are stronger + more rigid
• they have polar bonds (C=O and C-N)

Question 12

advantages + disadvantages of recycling plastics

Answer 12

ADV:
- cheaper to recycle than making more
- less CO2 produced compared to incineration
- preserves non-renewable raw materials e.g. crude oil
- reduces reliance on landfill

DISADV:
- difficult to remake from recycled materials
- plastic can get contaminated
- sorting and processing plastic is more expensive than incineration