Synthetic Polymers,Addition Polymers,Condensation Polymers

Macromolecules

• Macromolecules are very large molecules built up from joining together thousands of small units.

• The process of joining together thousands of small units is called polymerisation.

• The small units are called monomers.

• The large molecule formed is called a polymer.

• There are 2 groups of macromolecules:

• - synthetic polymers

• - natural macromolecules

Synthetic Polymers

• These are man-made polymers made by

–Addition polymerisation

–Condensation polymerisation

• Polymers made from addition polymerisation are called addition polymers.

• Polymers made from condensation polymerisation are called condensation polymers.

Addition Polymers

• Addition polymers are made from unsaturated monomers.

• The monomers are linked ( or added ) together to form a large molecule without the loss of any atoms. The monomers are joined together by an ADDITION reaction.

• Plastics are addition polymers formed using alkene molecules as monomers.

• Poly(ethene) is made from ethene monomers.

Condensation Polymers

• Condensation polymers are made from monomers containing alcohol, carboxylic acid or amino (-NH₂) functional groups.

• The monomers are linked together to form a large molecule with the ELIMINATION of small molecules like water. The monomers are joined together by a condensation reaction.

Examples of condensation polymers

• Two examples of condensation polymers are

– Nylon

– Terylene