Synthetic polymers Flashcards
What is polymerisaton?
when small monomers join up to form a larger polymer
What are the two types of polymerisation?
- addition
- condensation
What is an addition polymer?
long-chain molecule formed from many small monomers
What happens during the formation of an addition polymer?
part of the double broken and then more molecules are added, so no molecules in this way
What is another name of chloroethene?
vinyl chloride
What is the name of the polymer of chloroethene
poly(chloroethene)
polyvinylchloride - PVC
Uses of PVC
- electrical insulation
- sheet floor coverings
- drainpipes
Uses of poly(ethene)
- low density: thin film/plastic bags
- high density: plastic bottles
Uses of poly(propene)
- ropes
- crates
What is a condensation reaction?
when many monomers join up to form a larger polymer with the release of a small by-product
Examples of by-product
- water
- hydrogen chloride
What are the two types of condensation polymers?
- polyesters
- polyamides
how are polyesters formed?
reaction between di-alcohol and di-carboxylic acid
known as esterification
example of a polyestser
terylene
how are polyamides formed?
reaction between di-amine and di-carboxylic acid
