Chapter 9, Polymerisation Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the smaller parts of a polymer?
Monomer
Addition polymers are formed by…
Using compounds containing a C=C bond.
The unsaturated molecules that then join together to form a polymer
Condensation polymers are formed by…
The reaction between molecules with 2 functional groups and involve the loss of 2 small molecules
What sort of molecules are lost during condensation polymerisation?
H2O, HCl, CH3OH
Dicarboxylic acid + diol =
Polyester
Dicarboxylic acid + diamine =
Polyamide
Amino acids can be polymerises to form…
Polyamides
What is a diol?
An alcohol containing 2 hydroxyl groups
What is Kevlar?
A polyamide which forms fibres of great strength, stability and fire-resistance
What are common uses of Kevlar?
Bullet proof vests
What is Kevlar formed from?
Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid + benzene-1,4-diamine
What IMF is there in Kevlar?
Extensive hydrogen bonding
How biodegradable are polymers?
Although named as polyalkanes they have no C=C.
They are non-polar and are chemically inert.
They are therefore non-biodegradable.
What sort of environmental issues to polymers present?
As they are non-biodegradable they are put into landfills and their disposal is a massive problem
Recently ___ polymers and their use is ___ ___
Biodegradable
Gradually increasing
What do polyamides and polyesters undergo in landfills?
(Enzyme catalysed)/hydrolysis which makes them biodegradable
What other way is there of disposing of polymers?
Incineration as they are flammable
What is the disadvantages of incinerating polymers?
The release toxic gases when burnt
What is the advantages of using incineration to dispose of polymers?
It produces a net energy yield and significantly reduces household landfill waste
What can help to overcome some disposal problems
Recycling
What recycling processes are most common for polymers?
Thermoplastics are melted down and remoulded
Why does recycling still have its problems?
Fossil fuels used in the process mean the savings are minimal.
All of the different types of polymers must be separated out beforehand- time
