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A topic from the subject of Organic Chemistry in Chemistry.

  • 10 months ago
  • 3 min read

Condensation Polymers
Introduction

Condensation polymers are a class of polymers formed by a condensation reaction, in which two or more molecules combine with the elimination of a small molecule, typically water or an alcohol. Condensation polymers are often referred to as addition polymers, as they are formed by the addition of monomer units to a growing polymer chain.


Basic Concepts

Condensation polymerisation involves the following steps:



  1. Initiation: A reactive species, such as a proton or a nucleophile, attacks a monomer molecule, creating a reactive end group.
  2. Propagation: The reactive end group of the growing polymer chain attacks another monomer molecule, forming a new bond and extending the chain.
  3. Termination: The polymer chain growth is terminated when a reactive end group reacts with another reactive species, such as a proton or a nucleophile.

Equipment and Techniques

Condensation polymerisation can be carried out in a variety of solvents, including water, alcohols, and organic solvents. The reaction is typically carried out at elevated temperatures to increase the rate of reaction.


The equipment used for condensation polymerisation includes:



  • A reaction vessel, such as a round-bottomed flask or a pressure vessel.
  • A reflux condenser, to prevent the evaporation of the solvent.
  • A heating mantle or a hot plate, to maintain the reaction temperature.

Types of Experiments

There are a variety of experiments that can be carried out to investigate the synthesis and properties of condensation polymers. These experiments include:



  • Synthesis of condensation polymers from different monomers.
  • Characterisation of condensation polymers using techniques such as gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy.
  • Study of the properties of condensation polymers, such as their mechanical properties, thermal properties, and electrical properties.

Data Analysis

The data from condensation polymerisation experiments can be used to determine the following:



  • The yield of the polymer.
  • The molecular weight of the polymer.
  • The composition of the polymer.
  • The physical and chemical properties of the polymer.

Applications

Condensation polymers are used in a wide variety of applications, including:



  • Plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon.
  • Fibres, such as polyester and nylon.
  • Coatings, such as alkyd resins and epoxy resins.
  • Adhesives, such as epoxy adhesives and cyanoacrylate adhesives.

Conclusion

Condensation polymers are a versatile class of materials with a wide range of applications. They are easy to synthesise and can be tailored to meet a variety of performance requirements.


DataTable.

Experiment: Condensation Polymerization
Purpose:

To demonstrate the formation of a condensation polymer, nylon 6, through the reaction of a diamine and a diacid chloride.


Materials:
  • Hexamethylene diamine (1,6-diaminohexane)
  • Adipoyl chloride (hexanedioyl chloride)
  • Sodium hydroxide solution (10%)
  • Water
  • Beaker
  • Stirring rod
  • Funnel
  • Filter paper

Procedure:
  1. In a beaker, dissolve 1.0 g of hexamethylene diamine in 10 mL of water.
  2. In another beaker, dissolve 1.0 g of adipoyl chloride in 10 mL of water.
  3. Slowly add the adipoyl chloride solution to the hexamethylene diamine solution while stirring constantly.
  4. Observe the formation of a white precipitate.
  5. Add 10 mL of 10% sodium hydroxide solution to the reaction mixture and continue stirring.
  6. The white precipitate will dissolve, forming a clear solution.
  7. Filter the solution to remove any unreacted starting materials.
  8. Pour the filtrate into a large volume of water to precipitate the nylon 6 polymer.
  9. Filter the precipitate, wash it with water, and dry it in an oven.

Observations:

The reaction between hexamethylene diamine and adipoyl chloride results in the formation of a white precipitate. Upon the addition of sodium hydroxide solution, the precipitate dissolves, forming a clear solution. The nylon 6 polymer is precipitated out of the solution when it is poured into water.


Significance:

Condensation polymerization is an important process for the synthesis of polymers. Condensation polymers are formed by the reaction of two or more monomers that contain functional groups that can react with each other to form a covalent bond. Nylon 6 is a common condensation polymer that is used in a variety of applications, including clothing, carpets, and engineering plastics.


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