Organic Chemistry - Polymers

SUMMARYPolymers are defined as high molecular mass macromolecules, which consist of repeating structural units derived from the corresponding monomers. These polymers may be of natural or synthetic origin and are classified in a number of ways. In the presence of an organic peroxide initiator, the alkenes and their derivatives undergo addition polymerisation or chain growth polymerisation through a free radical mechanism.

Polythene, teflon, orlon, etc. are formed by addition polymerisation of an appropriate alkene or its derivative. Condensation polymerisation reactions are shown by the interaction of bi - or poly functional monomers containing - NH2 , - OH and - COOH groups.

This type of polymerisation proceeds through the elimination of certain simple molecules as H2O, CH3OH, etc. Formaldehyde reacts with phenol and melamine to form the corresponding condensation polymer products. The condensation polymerisation progresses through step by step and is also called as step growth polymerisation.

Nylon, bakelite and dacron are some of the important examples of condensation polymers. However, a mixture of two unsaturated monomers exhibits copolymerisation and forms a co-polymer containing multiple units of each monomer. Natural rubber is a cis 1, 4-polyisoprene and can be made more tough by the processof vulcanisation with sulphur.