Polymers Flashcards
Define polymer
Polymers are a long chain of repeating monomers
Addition polymers
Monomers contain a double covalent bond and join together to form polymer chains. The only product is the polymer
Condensation polymerisation
Involved monomers containing different polymer groups
React and form a bond to make polymer chains
For each new bond a small molecule is lost (e.g. water)
Simplist polymerisation occurs between two monomers from the same functional group
Differences between Addition and Condensation Polymerisation
Number of monomers ( AP one type of monomer containing C=C bond, CP monomers from the same functional group or multiple)
Number of products (AP One product, CP two products -polymer and small molecule)
Functional groups involved (AP C=C Bond, CP Two reactive groups)
Amino acids functional group
A basic amino group (NH2) and an acidic carboxyl group (COOH)
Example of amino acid
Glycine, Protein, DNA molecules
What polymer is an amino acid?
Polypeptides
Long chain polypeptide
Known as proteins (used as enzymes ect)
Polymer protein
Can contain different amino acids in their polymer chain
Form of Polymer DNA
Made up of two polymer chains of monomers called nucleotides (includes a base ACTG)
What are sugars
Small molecules that contain carbon, oxygen and hydrogen
Sugars and polymerisation
React to form larger carbohydrate polymers (e.g. starch)
Low density Polymer properties
Flexible
E.g. plastic bags
High density Polymer properties
Rigid
E.g. watertanks
What is a theromosoftening polymer
Individual polymer chains entwined together with weak forced between chains
Able to melt and remould
What is a theromosetting polymer
Monomers that cross link between polymer chains holding the chains together in a solid structure
Do not soften when heated
Strong, hard and rigid
