Exploring the realm of polymers, this overview delves into their synthesis through addition and condensation polymerisation. Polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene are formed via addition polymerisation, which involves monomers with carbon-carbon double bonds. Condensation polymerisation, on the other hand, creates polymers such as polyamides and polyesters by linking monomers with different functional groups, releasing a small molecule like water as a by-product. These processes are crucial for developing materials in various industries.
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Polymers are large, complex molecules composed of smaller units called monomers, which are chemically bonded together in a process known as polymerisation
Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers, such as plastics, polyamides, and polyesters, are essential in the production of everyday materials and are the focus of this discussion
Natural Polymers
Natural polymers, such as proteins and DNA, also play important roles in various aspects of modern life
Polymers are integral to numerous industries and everyday life, as they are used to create materials such as plastics, fibers, and rubbers
Addition polymerisation involves the joining of monomers with carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C) without the formation of by-products, resulting in polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene
Condensation polymerisation involves monomers with different functional groups and typically results in the release of a small molecule, such as water or methanol, as a by-product, leading to polymers like polyamides and polyesters
Free radical polymerisation is a widely used method of addition polymerisation that involves the use of highly reactive atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons to initiate and propagate the polymer chain
Free radical polymerisation is initiated by heat, light, or chemical catalysts, leading to the formation of free radicals that react with monomers, causing the polymer chain to grow until two free radicals combine, effectively terminating the polymer chain
Addition polymerisation is used in the industrial production of polymers such as polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) for various applications in material science and engineering
Condensation polymerisation is responsible for the formation of polymers like polyamides and polyesters, which have specific properties for their intended applications in material science and engineering
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Monomers definition
Monomers are small, basic units that chemically bond to form polymers.
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Polymerisation process
Polymerisation is the chemical reaction where monomers link to form polymers.
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Synthetic vs Natural Polymers
Synthetic polymers are man-made like plastics; natural polymers occur in nature like DNA.
