Example of the Formation of Polyethene from Ethene
Here are some examples of their formation:
In the formation of polyisoprene, the two double bonds of number 1 and C number 3 first open, then the single bonds of C number 2 and C number 3 form the double bonds. From the examples of the reaction above, it can be concluded that in addition addition polymerization the byproducts are formed and the monomers must contain double bonds. Examples of addition polymers can be seen in the table below.
Polymer Monomers Polymer name
Polyethylene Plastic bags, bottles, toys, electrical insulation
Polypropylene Plastic rugs, bottles
Polystyrene Wood varnish, styrofoam, plastic insulation, plastic cups, toys, packing material
Polyvinyl chloride Pipe, plastic tile
Polyvinyl dienkloride Plastic wrap
Politetraethylene (Teflon) Cookware, electrical insulation (cable cover)
Polyacrylonitrile Wigs (toupee), paint, thread
Polyvinylacetate Textile, gumresin, paint
Polymetilmetakrilat Glass making material, bowling ball maker
Condensation Polymers
Condensation is the reaction of combining functional groups between the two monomers. That is, condensation polymerization is the reaction of polymer formation from monomers having two functional groups. For example, polypeptide compounds or proteins and polysaccharides are biomolecular compounds formed by condensation polymerization reactions.
Condensation polymerization will produce small molecules of water and the monomers have functional groups at both ends of the chain. If formulated, the general reaction is as follows:
n monomers → 1 polymer + (n - 1) H2O
Here are some examples of the formation of condensation polymerization:
The formation of nylon
Nylon is a polymer that was discovered by Wallace Hume Carothers in 1934 while working at the Du Pont company. Nylon polymers are formed from 6-aminohexanoic acid (HOOCCH2 (CH2) 3CH2NH2) monomers. In this polymerization, the carboxyl group of the monomer binds to the amino group of the monomer.
Formation of polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) or dacron
Similar to nylon-66, polyester dacron is formed by 2 different polymers, namely from ethylene glycol (polyalkohol) with dimethyl terephthalate (ester compound).
Polymer Classification Based on Type of Monomer
Based on the type of monomer, polymers can consist of homopolymers and copolymers.
Homopolymer
Homopolymers are polymers with similar monomers. For example, cellulose and protein.
(-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-) n
In homopolymer addition polymers, the double bonds open then bind to form a single bonded polymer.
Copolymer
Copolymers or also called heteropolymers are polymers whose monomers are not the same type. Examples of dacron, nylon-66, melamine (phenol formaldehyde). The process of polymer formation takes place with high temperature and pressure or assisted with a catalyst, but without the catalyst the molecular structure is formed irregularly.
Thus, the function of the catalyst is to control the formation process of polymer molecular stricture to be more orderly so that the properties of the polymer obtained are as expected. Examples of the molecular chain structures of irregular polymer 9) polymerization products without catalysts are as follows:
(-P-S-S-P-P-S-S-S-P-S-P-) n
Irregular copolymers
In the process of forming the polymer used by the catalyst, the molecular structure formed will be regular. Examples of regular polymer molecular chain structures (polymerization products with catalysts) are as follows:
Block system:
(-P-P-P-S-S-S-P-P-P-S-S-S-) n
Block copolymer alternating system:
(-P-S-P-S-P-S-P-S-P-S-P-S-P-) n
Copolymers alternate