Chapter 2- Polymer Chemistry
2.1 Introducting Polymers Monomer: the smallest repeating unit of a polymer (propene in polypropylene). Polymer: a long chain molecule made up of many small identical units (monomers). Polymerization: process of linking monomer units into a polymer. Can be accomplished by addition or condensation reactions. Homopolymer: a polymer made of only a single type of monomer Copolymere: are polymers made of two or more types fo monomers
Natural Polymers Nature produces a variety of polymers. They are built by an organism. Examples are : Silk, natural rubber, starch, chitin, proteins,
Synthetic Polymers Usually produced from plant material or petrochemicals Examples include: Nylon, Kevlar, non-stick coating (fluoropolymers), polyester, tires
Synthetic Polymers involve 3 stages in the polymerization process 1 Initiation- removes a part of the monomer to make it want to bond with another monomer 2 Propagation- the process keeps going 3 Termination- a chemical is used that causes the monomers to stop joining together
2.2 Synthetic Addition Polymers Addition polymerization: a reaction in which unsaturated monomers combine with each other to form a polymer. A reaction where monomers with double bonds are joined together through multiple addition reactions to form a polymer
Properties of a polymer are determined by the properties of its monomers, which may include functional groups such as alkyl groups, halides, aromatic groups and alcohols.
Examples of Addition Polymers Teflon, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene (pop bottles, grocery bags), polystyrene (packing material), Plexiglas, polyvinyl chloride (vinyl), natural rubber, etc
Example Polyvinyl Chloride Example Polystyrene
Plastics A polymer that retains its shape after being heated under pressure and subsequently cooled. Plastics tend to be: Unreactive Flexible in Shape Vary in hardness
Polymer Cross-Linking Cross-linking arises when functional groups on a chain can interact. The softness of a plastic is related to the amount of cross-linking. The greater the level of cross-linking, the more heat resistant a polymer becomes
Work Pg. 83 # 1-3 Pg. 87 # 1-3 Pg. 93 # 1-4
2.4 Synthetic Condensation Polymer Condensation polymerization: a reaction in which two different monomers react at the functional group to form a polymer. Generally a reaction where two monomers are joined to form a unit called a dimer. A dimer generally consists of an ester or amide linkage. If a chemical is bi-functional (having two different functional groups) it can form a condensation polymer with itself.
Question what types of chemicals do we need to use to get the dimers? Polyamide A dicarboxylic acid and diamines Polyester A diacarboxylic acid and dialcohols
Condensation Reaction With two different molecules: With one type of molecule:
Polyester
The Formation of Dacron
Formation of Nylon 6,6
Work Pg. 98 # 1 Pg. 99 # 1-6