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(O) Topic 29 - Polymerisation

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Total cards: 15•Content version: v4•Public deck•Updated: 8/1/2026

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#1
Front (Question)

What are the two main types of polymer chains?

Back (Answer)

Addition and Condensation

#2
Front (Question)

What are the two types of condensation polymers?

Back (Answer)

polyesters and polyamides

#3
Front (Question)

What is the strongest force of attraction between addition polymer chains

Back (Answer)

Van der Waals

#4
Front (Question)

What is the strongest force of attraction between polyester chains?

Back (Answer)

Permanent dipole dipole forces (due to polar C=O bonds)

#5
Front (Question)

What is the strongest force of attraction between polyamide chains

Back (Answer)

Hydrogen bonds (due to polar presence of N-H bonds within molecules)

#6
Front (Question)

Name an example of a polyester and its use

Back (Answer)

terylene (PET) - used in drinks bottles

#7
Front (Question)

Name two examples of an addition polymer and its uses

Back (Answer)

poly(ethene) - polythene bags PVC - PVC pipes in plumbing

#8
Front (Question)

Name two examples of a polyamide and its uses

Back (Answer)

Nylon-6,6 - Clothing Kevlar - Bullet proof vests

#9
Front (Question)

What is the bond between molecules in polyesters called?

Back (Answer)

An Ester Bond

#10
Front (Question)

What is the bond between molecules in a polyamide called?

Back (Answer)

peptide bonds

#11
Front (Question)

Describe and explain the biodegradability of addition polymers

Back (Answer)

Non-Biodegradable due to the absence of polar bonds, only containing C-C and C-H bonds. Nothing in the natural environment will break them down and they persist for many years.

#12
Front (Question)

Describe and explain the biodegradability of condensation polymers

Back (Answer)

Potentially biodegradable due to the presence of polar C-N and C-O bonds, and so can be broken down by hydrolysis. However, this process is very slow under everyday conditions.

#13
Front (Question)

How is a polyamide formed

Back (Answer)

Many dicarboxylic acids and diamines react together in a series of condensation reactions, releasing water

#14
Front (Question)

Describe how a polyester is formed

Back (Answer)

When many dihols and dicarboxyllic acid molecules react together in a series of condensation reactions, releasing water

#15
Front (Question)

How can addition polymers be disposed of?

Back (Answer)

Left in landfill sites or incinerated. When incinerated, CO2 and H2O are produced (which are green house gases). Toxic products may be released if not burnt properly, such as styrene, carbon monoxide and black smoke