Addition polymerisation - Only produces the polymer
Condensation polymerisation - Produces water and polymer
Uses of polymers :
Nylon and terylene - make clothes
Nylon - rope making
PVC - electrical insulator and pipes
Poly(ethene) - bowls, buckes and plastic bags
Plastic and pollution :
- Source of visual pollution
- Burning produces toxic gas
Nylon and proteins :
C=O-OH and NH2 monomers
Proteins has many monomers as it is a biological polyamide, whereas synthetic polyamide, such as nylon, only contains the aforementioned monomers.
When they are joined together, an amide linkage C=O-NH is formed, water is eliminated in forming this linkage.
Amino acids -> Water + Protein (Condensation polymerisation)
Water + Protein -> Amino acids (Hydrolysis, boil with hydrochloric acid)
Polyesters :
C=O-OH and OH monomers
When they are joined together, an ester linkage C=O-O is formed, water is eliminated in forming this linkage.
Fats :
Animal fats and vegetable oils are esters.
Fat (Glyceryl sterate) + Sodium hydroxide -> Sodium salt of long-chain organic acid (Sodium sterate) + Glycerol