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Macromolecules
KEANE CAMPBELL MSC; BSC; ASC NOVEMBER 14, 2012

Characteristics of Addition Polymerisation Obj. 4.1

Polymer A substance with molecule composed of a large number of repeating units called monomers, which are connected by covalent bonds. Polymerisation The reaction by which monomers are joined together to make polymers.
Note, students, that the very large molecules that polymers

are made up of are called macromolecules.

Now students, we have different types of polymers that are 1. based on origin; 2. based on formation.

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Types of Polymers
Based on origin
a)

Natural (from nature): cotton, wool, protein, starch, cellulose. Synthetic (man made): polythene, PVC, nylon, polystyrene.

b)

Based on formation
a) b)

Addition unsaturated monomers bond to form one chain. Condensation type (monomers with two or more functional groups reacting to give a polymer plus a small molecule). All natural polymers belong to this group.

Addition Polymerisation
Addition

polymers are synthetic polymers that are formed from unsaturated monomers. The monomers are usually alkenes, and polymerization involves successive additions across the double bonds. polymer chain, usually with a reactive intermediate (cation, radical, or anion) at the growing end of the chain. They are sometimes called chain growth polymers, because growth usually occurs at the end of the chain. addition polymer. plastics.

They result from the rapid addition of one molecule at a time to a growing

Poly(vinylchloride), widely used as synthetic leather, is an example of

Polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE), widely used as Teflon coatings and PTFE

Polythene is used as bottles, bags and films and is made from ethene. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is used as vinyl plastics, films and water pipes.

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Addition Polymers
Polymer Polyethene Monomer Formula Polymer Repeating Unit

Polyvinylchloride

Polytetrafluoroethene

Characteristics of Condensation Polymerisation Obj. 4.2

Condensation polymers result from condensation (bond

formation with loss of a small molecule) between bifunctional monomers. groups. The functional groups may be the same or different. amides and esters.

Bifunctional monomers are monomers with two functional

The most common condensations involve the formations of

Examples of condensation polymers include: terylene nylon 6, 6 proteins starch

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Examples of bifunctional monomers include:

Nylon 6, 6
Nylon is the common name for polyamides. Polyamides are generally made from reactions of

diacids with diamines.

The most common polyamide is called nylon 6, 6

because it is made by reaction of a six-carbon diamine.

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Nylon 6, 6

Nylon 6, 6

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Protein Obj. 4.5

Protein, a type of polyamide, is a natural polymer

that is formed from the amino acid monomers.

Starch Obj. 4.6 & 4.7

Starch and cellulose are polysaccharides. They are

polymers of glucose. Starch is formed as a result of photosynthesis in green plants.

C6H12O6 is

Monomer

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Protein

Terylene
Terylene is a polyester that is polyethylene terephthalate.

Note students, terylene, nylon 6, 6, starch and protein all

lose a small molecule because they are condensation polymers.

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Predict Types of Polymer from given Monomers Obj. 4.3

In order to predict the type of polymer formed, is to

know the type of monomers used.

When you use an unsaturated monomer you will

form an addition polymer.

When

you use bifunctional condensation polymer is formed.

monomers