CHEMISTRY

CHAPTER 15: POLYMERS

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Polymers

Introduction

➢ Polymer
• The word ‘polymer’ is coined from two Greek words.
• Poly = Many and Mer =unit or part
• They are also called as macromolecules which are formed by joining of repeating
structural units ona large scale.

➢ Monomer
The repeating structural units which are derived from some simple and reactive molecules
are knownas monomers.
They are linked to each other by covalent bonds.

➢ Polymerisation
The process of formation of polymers from respective monomers is called
[Link]:
i) Conversion of ethene to polyethene

Define the terms: Monomers, Polymers & Polymerization

Define the terms: Monomers, Polymers & Polymerization
The term polymer is defined as a chemical substance of a very high molecular mass (103-
107u) formed by combination of a simple molecule, called monomers.
Polymers are also known as macromolecules, which are formed by repeating structural units
on large scale.

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This process of formation of polymers from respective monomers is called

polymerisation.
For example:- n CH2 = nCH2--> n[-CH2 - CH2 - ] --> [-CH2-CH2-] n
Ethene Repeating Unit Polythene polymer
Classification of Polymers

Classification of Polymers
There are several ways of classification of polymers based on some special considerations.
The following are some of the common classifications of polymers:
Source
Structure
Mode of polymerization
Molecular Force
Source
Under this type of classification, there are three sub categories.
Natural polymers
These polymers are found in plants and animals. Examples are proteins, cellulose, starch, some
resins and rubber.

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Semi-synthetic polymers
b) Cellulose derivatives as cellulose acetate (rayon) and cellulose nitrate, etc. are the some
examples.

Synthetic Polymers

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A variety of synthetic polymers as plastic (polythene), synthetic fibres. Examples: - (nylon 6, 6) and
synthetic rubbers (Buna - S) are polymers extensively used in daily life as well as in industry.

Structure
There are three different types based on the structure of the polymers.
Linear Polymers: -
These polymers consist of long and straight chains. The examples are high density polythene,
polyvinyl chloride, etc. These are represented as:

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Branched chain polymers:-

b) These polymers contain linear chains having some branches, e.g. low density polythene. These
are depicted as follows:

Cross linked or Network polymers:-

c) These are usually formed from bi-functional and tri-functional monomers and contain strong
covalent bonds between various linear polymer chains, e.g. Bakelite, melamine, etc. These
polymers are depicted as follows:

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Mode of Polymerization
Polymers can also be classified on the basis of mode of polymerisation into two sub groups.
Addition polymers: -
• The addition polymers are formed by the repeated addition of monomer molecules
possessing double or triple bonds.
• For example: - The formation of polythene from Ethene and polypropene from propene.
• However, the addition polymers formed by the polymerisation of a single monomeric
species are known as homopolymers.
• For example: - polythene.
n CH2 = CH2 --> (CH2-CH2-)n Homopolymer

Ethene Polythene

The polymers made by addition polymerisation from two different monomers are termed as
copolymers, e.g., Buna-S, Buna-N, etc.
nCH2 = CH - CH = CH2 + n C6H5CH = CH2 à (- CH2 – CH = CH - C6H5 - CH2 – CH - CH2 - )n

1,3 – Butadiene Styrene Butadiene-styrene copolymer

(Buna-S)

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Condensation polymers
• The condensation polymers are formed by repeated condensation reaction between two
different bi-functional or tri-functional monomeric units.
• In these polymerisation reactions, the elimination of small molecules such as water, alcohol,
hydrogen chloride, etc. take place.
• The examples are Terylene (Dacron), nylon 6, 6, nylon 6, etc.
• For example, nylon 6, 6 is formed by the condensation of hexamethylene diamine with
adipic acid.

D. Molecular Forces

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A large number of polymers can be used in different fields because of their mechanical properties
like tensile strength, elasticity, toughness etc.
These mechanical properties are governed by intermolecular forces, e.g., van der Waals forces
and hydrogen bonds, present in the polymer. These forces also bind the polymer chains.
The polymers are classified into the following four sub groups on the basis of magnitude of
intermolecular forces present in them.
a) Elastomers: -
These are rubber – like solids with elastic properties.
The polymer chains are held together by the weakest intermolecular forces. These weak binding
forces permit the polymer to be stretched.
A few ‘crosslinks’ are introduced in between the chains, which help the polymer to retract to its
original position after the force is released as in vulcanised rubber. The examples are Buna-S,
Buna-N, neoprene, etc.

b) Fibres:-
Fibres are the thread forming solids which possess high tensile strength and high modulus.
These characteristics can be attributed to the strong intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
These strong forces also lead to close packing of chains and thus impart crystalline nature. The
examples are polyamides (nylon 6, 6), polyesters (terylene), etc.

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c) Thermoplastic Polymers:-
These are the linear or slightly branched long chain molecules capable of repeatedly softening on
heating and hardening on cooling.
These polymers possess intermolecular forces of attraction intermediate between elastomers and
fibres.

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d) Thermosetting Polymers:-
These polymers are cross linked or heavily branched molecules, which on heating undergo
extensive cross linking in moulds and again become infusible.
These cannot be reused. Some common examples are Bakelite, urea-formaldehyde resins, etc.

Types of Polymerisation Reactions

➢ Addition or chain growth polymerisation

• In addition polymerisation, the molecules of the same monomer or different monomers
add togetheron a large scale to form a polymer.
• The most common mechanism for addition polymerisation reactions is free radical mechanism.
• The steps involved are as follows:
Step 1:
Chain initiating step: Organic peroxides undergo homolytic fission to form free radicals
which act asan initiator. The initiator adds to the C—C double bond of an alkene molecule to
form a new free radical.

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Step 2:

Chain propagating step: Free radicals formed by homolytic cleavage add to a double bond of
monomer to form a larger free radical. Radicals formed add to another alkene
molecule to form a larger free radical. This process continues until the radical is
destroyed. These steps are called propagation steps.

Step 3:

Chain terminating step: For termination of the long chain, free radicals combine in
different ways toform polythene. One mode of termination of chain is shown below.

`
Addition polymerisation is called chain growth polymerisation because it occurs through
stages leading to increase in chain length, and each stage produces reactive
intermediates for use in the next stage of the growth of the chain.

➢ Preparation of some important addition polymers

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(a)
Low density polythene
• It is obtained by the polymerisation of ethene under high pressure of 1000-2000
atmospheres at a temperature of 350 K to 570 K in the presence of traces of
dioxygen or a peroxide initiator(catalyst).
• It is a poor conductor of electricity and hence it is used as an insulator in electrical
wires andmanufacture of squeeze bottle, toys and flexible pipe.

High density polythene

• It is formed when addition polymerisation of ethene takes place in a hydrocarbon
solvent in the presence of a catalyst such as triethylaluminium and titanium
tetrachloride at a temperature of 333 K to 343 K and under a pressure of 6-7
atmospheres.
• It is used to manufacture buckets, dustbins, bottles, pipes etc.

(b) Polytetrafluoroethene (Teflon)

• It is synthesized by heating tetrafluoroethene with a free radical or persulphate at
highpressures.
• It is used in making oil seals and gaskets and also used for non-stick surface-coated
utensils.

(c) Polyacrilonytrile
• It is prepared by the addition polymerisation of acrylonitrile in presence of a
peroxide catalyst.
• It is used as a substitute for wool in making commercial fibres as orlon or acrilan.

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➢ Condensation or step growth polymerisation

• In this type of polymerisation, there is a repetitive condensation reaction between two

bi-functional monomers with the loss of some simple molecules like water leading to
the formation of high molecular mass condensation polymers.
• The product of each step is again a bi-functional species and the sequence of
condensation goeson.
• Since each step produces a distinct functionalised species and is independent of each
step, thisprocess is called as step growth polymerisation.
• Interaction of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid leading to the formation of
terylene is anexample of this type of condensation.

➢ Some Important Condensation Polymerisation

1. Polyamides
Nylons are polymers possessing amide linkages and are important examples of
synthetic fibres. They are prepared by condensation polymerisation of diamines with
dicarboxylic acids and also ofamino acids and their lactams.

Preparation of Nylons
(i) Nylon 6,6
• It is prepared by the condensation polymerisation of hexamethylenediamine
with adipicacid under high pressure and at high temperature.
• It is used in making sheets, bristles for brushes and in textile industry.

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(ii) Nylon 6
• It is obtained by heating caprolactum with water at a high temperature.
• It is used for the manufacture of tyre cords, fabrics and ropes.

2. Polyesters
• It is manufactured by heating a mixture of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid at
420 to 460Kin the presence of zinc acetate-antimony trioxide catalyst.
• Dacron or terylene is an example of polyester which is crease resistant and is used in
blending with cotton and wool fibres and also as glass reinforcing materials in safety
helmets etc.

3. Phenol-formaldehyde polymer(Bakelite and related polymers)

• It is obtained by the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the

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presence of either an acid or a base catalyst.
• The reaction proceeds with the initial formation of o-and/or p-hydroxymethylphenol
derivatives which further react with phenol to form compounds having rings joined to
each other through —CH2 groups.
• The initial product could be a linear product — Novolac used in paints.

• Novolac on heating with formaldehyde undergoes cross linking to form

infusible solid masscalled Bakelite.
• It is used for making combs, phonograph records, electrical switches and
handles of various utensils.
4. Melamine-formaldehyde polymer
It is formed by the condensation polymerisation of melamine and formaldehyde.

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It is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery.

➢ Copolymerisation

• It is a polymerisation reaction in which a mixture of more than one monomeric species

is allowed topolymerise and form a polymer.
• The copolymer can be prepared by both chain growth polymerisation and
step growthpolymerisation.
• It contains multiple units of each monomer used in the same polymeric chain.
• A mixture of 1, 3-butadiene and styrene can form a polymer.

• Copolymers have properties quite different from homopolymers.

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• Butadiene-styrene copolymer is quite tough and is a good substitute for natural rubber.
• It is used for the manufacture of auto tyres, floor tiles, footwear components, cable
insulation etc.
➢ Rubber
1. Natural Rubber
• It is prepared from rubber latex which is a colloidal dispersion of rubber in water.

• It can be considered as a linear polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene) and is also

called as cis-1, 4-poIyisoprene.

Vulcanization of Rubber
• This process is used to improve the physical properties of rubber.
• In this process, mixture of raw rubber is heated with sulphur and appropriate
additive at atemperature range between 373 K to 415 K.
• On vulcanisation, sulphur forms cross links at the reactive sites of double bonds
and thus therubber gets stiffened.
• Only 5 % of sulphur is used as a cross linking agent in the manufacture of tyre rubber.

2. Synthetic Rubbers
• It is a vulcanisable rubber like polymer.
• It is stretchable to twice its length and returns to its original shape and size as soon as
the externalforce is released.
• Thus synthetic rubbers are either homopolymers of 1, 3-butadiene derivatives or
copolymers of 1,3-butadiene or its derivative with another unsaturated monomer.

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Preparation of Synthetic Rubbers

1. Neoprene
• Neoprene or polychloroprene is prepared by the free radical polymerisation of
chloroprene.

• It is used for manufacturing conveyor belts, gaskets and hoses.

2. Buna - N
• It is prepared by the copolymerisation of 1, 3-butadiene and acrylonitrile in
the presence of a peroxide catalyst.

• It is used in making oil seals, tank lining etc. because it is resistant to the
action of petrol,lubricating oil and organic solvents.

Molecular Mass of Polymers

• The polymer sample contains chains of varying lengths and hence its molecular mass is
always expressedas an average.

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• The molecular mass of polymers can be determined by chemical and physical methods.

Biodegradable Polymers

• Polymers which are degraded by microorganisms within a suitable period so that

biodegradablepolymers and their degraded products do not cause any serious effects
on the environment.
• Certain new biodegradable synthetic polymers have been designed and developed.
• These polymers contain functional groups similar to the functional groups present in
biopolymers.
• Aliphatic polyesters are one of the important classes of biodegradable polymers.
• Examples of biodegradable polymers:
1. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxyl-valerate (PHBV): It is obtained by the
copolymerisation of3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid.

2. Nylon 2—nylon 6: It is an alternating polyamide copolymer of glycine (H2N—CH2—

COOH) and aminocaproic acid (H2N (CH2)5 COOH.

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Preparation of Important Addition Reaction

Polyamides:-
These polymers possessing amide linkages are important examples of synthetic fibres and
are termed as nylons. The general method of preparation consists of the condensation
polymerisation of diamines with dicarboxylic acids and also of amino acids and their
lactams.
Preparation of Nylons
Nylon 6, 6:-
It is prepared by the condensation polymerisation of hexamethylenediamine with adipic
acid under high pressure and at high temperature.
Nylon 6, 6 is used in making sheets, bristles for brushes and in textile industry.

Nylon 6:-
It is obtained by heating Caprolactum with water at a high temperature.
Nylon 6 is used for the manufacture of tyre cords, fabrics and ropes.

Polyesters: - These are the poly condensation products of dicarboxylic acids and diols.
Dacron or Terylene is the best known example of polyesters. It is manufactured by
heating a mixture of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid at 420 to 460 K in the presence
of Zinc acetate antimony trioxide catalyst.
Dacron fibre (Terylene) is crease resistant and is used in blending with cotton and wool

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fibres and also as glass reinforcing materials in safety helmets, etc.
Phenol – formaldehyde polymer (Bakelite and related polymers):-
Phenol - formaldehyde polymers are the oldest synthetic polymers.
These are obtained by the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the
presence of either an acid or a base catalyst.
The reaction starts with the initial formation of o-and/or p-hydroxymethylphenol
derivatives, which further react with phenol to form compounds having rings joined to
each other through – CH2
The initial product could be a linear product – Novolac used in paints.
Novolac on heating with formaldehyde undergoes cross linking to form infusible solid
mass called Bakelite. It is used for making combs, phonograph records, electrical switches
and handles of various utensils.
Melamine- formaldehyde Polymer:-
Melamine formaldehyde polymer is formed by the condensation polymerisation of
melamine and formaldehyde.
It is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery.

Novolac on heating with formaldehyde undergoes cross linking to form infusible solid
mass called Bakelite. It is used for making combs, phonograph records, electrical switches
and handles of various utensils.

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Melamine- formaldehyde Polymer:-
Melamine formaldehyde polymer is formed by the condensation polymerisation of
melamine and formaldehyde.
It is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery.

o Polymerization
Copolymerisation is a polymerisation reaction in which a mixture of more than one
monomeric species is allowed to polymerise and form a copolymer.
The copolymer can be made not only by chain growth polymerisation but by step growth
polymerisation also.
It contains multiple units of each monomer used in the same polymeric chain.
For example:-a mixture of 1, 3 – butadiene and styrene can form a copolymer.
Copolymers have properties quite different from homopolymers.
For example: - butadiene - styrene copolymer is quite tough and is a good substitute for
natural rubber.
It is used for the manufacture of auto tyres, floor tiles, footwear components, cable
insulation, etc.

Rubber
Rubber is a natural polymer and possesses elastic properties.
It is also termed as elastomer and has a variety of uses.
It is manufactured from rubber latex which is a colloidal dispersion of rubber in water. This
latex is obtained from the bark of rubber tree and is found in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia,

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Malaysia and South America.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber may be considered as a linear polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene)
and is also called as cis - 1, 4 -polyisoprene.
The cis-polyisoprene molecule consists of various chains held together by weak van der
Waals interactions and has a coiled structure.
Thus, it can be stretched like a spring and exhibits elastic properties.

Vulcanization of Rubber:-
Natural rubber becomes soft at high temperature (>335 K) and brittle at low temperatures
(<283 K) and shows high water absorption capacity.
It is soluble in non-polar solvents and is non-resistant to attack by oxidising agents. To
improve upon these physical properties, a process of vulcanisation is carried out. This
process consists of heating a mixture of raw rubber with sulphur and an appropriate
additive at a temperature range 373 K to 415K.
On vulcanisation, sulphur forms cross links at the reactive sites of double bonds and thus the
rubber gets stiffened.
In the manufacture of tyre rubber, 5% of sulphur is used as a crosslinking agent.
The probable structures of vulcanised rubber molecules are depicted below:

Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber is any vulcanisable rubber like polymer, which is capable of getting
stretched to twice its length.
However, it returns to its original shape and size as soon as the external stretching force is
released.
Thus, synthetic rubbers are either homopolymers of 1, 3 - butadiene derivatives or
copolymers of 1, 3 - butadiene or its derivatives with another unsaturated monomer.
Preparation of Synthetic Rubbers
Neoprene:-

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Neoprene or poly chloroprene is formed by the free radical polymerisation of chloroprene.
It has superior resistance to vegetable and mineral oils.
It is used for manufacturing conveyor belts, gaskets and hoses.

Buna –N:-
Buna –N is obtained by the copolymerisation of 1, 3 – butadiene and acrylonitrile in the
presence of a peroxide catalyst.
It is resistant to the action of petrol, lubricating oil and organic solvents. It is used in making
oil seals, tank lining, etc.

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Important Questions
Multiple Choice questions-
1. Monomer of [-(CH3)2 C CH3-]
(a) 2-Methyl propene
(b) Styrene
(c) Propylene
(d) ethene.
2. Bakelite is
(a) addition polymer
(b) elastomer
(c) thermoplastic
(d) thermosetting.
3. Buna-Sis
(a) natural polymer
(b) synthetic polymer
(c) sulphur polymer
(d) none of these.
4. The S in Buna-S refers to
(a) sodium
(b) sulphur
(c) styrene
(d) just a trade name.
5. The repeating units of PTFE is
(a) Cl2CH—CH3
(b) F2C = CF2
(c) F3C—CF3
(d) FCIC = CF2.
6. The inter-particle forces between linear chains in Nylon-66 are
(a) H-bonds
(b) covalent bonds
(c) ionic bonds
(d) unpredictable.
7. Nylon-66 is a polyamide of
(a) vinyl chloride and formaldehyde
(b) adipic acid and methyl amine
(c) adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine
(d) formaldehyde and malamine.

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8. Which of the following is not a condensation polymer?
(a) Glyptal
(b) Nylon-66
(c) Dacron
(d) PTFE
9. Which of the following is a condensation polymer?
(a) Polystyrene
(b) Neoprene
(c) PAN
(d) Poly (ethylene glycol phthalate)
10. The monomer of PVC is
(a) ethylene x
(b) tetrafluoroethylene
(c) Chloroethene
(d) none of these.
Very Short Questions-
1. Give an example of elastomers. (Delhi, All India 2009)
2. What does the part ‘6, 6’ mean in the name nylon-6, 6? (Delhi, All India 2009)
3. What is the primary structural feature necessary for a molecule to make it useful in a
condensation polymerization reaction? (All India 2009)
4. 4. What does the designation ‘6, 6’ mean in the name nylon-6, 6? (All India 2010)
5. 5. What is meant by ‘copolymerisation’? (All India 2010)
6. What are biodegradable polymers? (Delhi 2010)
7. In nylon 6, 6, what does the designation ‘6, 6’ mean? (Delhi 2010)
8. Define the term, ‘homopolymerisation’ giving an example. (Delhi 2010)
9.

10. Give one example of a condensation polymer. (All India 2013)

Short Questions-
1. Draw the structures of the monomers of the following polymers : (Delhi 2009)
(i) Teflon
(ii) Polyethene
2. What is the repeating unit in the condensation polymer obtained by combining

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HO2CCH2CH2CO2H (succinic acid) and H2NCH2CH2NH2 (ethylene diamine)? (Delhi
2009)
3. Differentiate between molecular structures and behaviours of thermoplastic and
thermosetting polymers. Give one example of each type. (All India 2009)
4. Differentiate between condensation and addition polymerisations. Give one example
each of the resulting polymers. (All India 2009)
5. Draw the molecular structures of the monomers of
(i) PVC
(ii) Teflon (All India 2010)
6. Draw the structures of the monomers of the following polymers : (All India 2010)
(i) Bakelite
(ii) Nylon-6
7. Mention two important uses of each of the following :
(i) Bakelite
(ii) Nylon 6 (Delhi 2011)
8. Name the sub-groups into which polymers are classified on the basis of magnitude of
intermolecular forces. (Delhi 2011)
9. Draw the structure of the monomer for each of the following polymers : (Delhi 2012)
i. Nylon-6
ii. Polypropene
10. Define thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Give one example of each. (All
India 2012)
Long Questions-
1. Explain the mechanism of polymerisation of ethene.
2. Differentiate between LDP and HDP.
3. What are Bakelite and Melamine? Give their structures.
4. Give monomers and preparation of Nylon – 6, 6 and Dacron.
5. How are polymers classified on the basis of structure?
6. Distinguish between the terms homopolymer and copolymer and give an example of
each.
7. How can you differentiate between addition and condensation polymerisation?
8. Explain the term copolymerisation and give two examples.
Assertion and Reason Questions:

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1. In these questions, a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given.
Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation
for assertion.
b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct
explanation for assertion.
c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
d) Assertion is wrong statement but reason is correct statement.
Assertion: In vulcanisation of rubber, sulphur cross links are introduced.
Reason: Vulcanisation is a free radical initiated chain reaction.
2. In these questions, a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given.
Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation
for assertion.
b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct
explanation for assertion.
c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
d) Assertion is wrong statement but reason is correct statement.
Assertion: Teflon has high thermal stability and chemical inertness.
Reason: Teflon is a thermoplastic.
MCQ Answers-
1. (c) Propylene
2. (d) thermosetting.
3. (b) synthetic polymer
4. (c) styrene
5. (b) F2C = CF2
6. (a) H-bonds
7. (c) adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine
8. (d) PTFE
9. (d) Poly (ethylene glycol phthalate)
10. (c) Chloroethene

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Very Short Answers-
1. Buna-S, Buna-N.
2. Nylon ‘6,6’ implies that it is a condensation polymer of two types of monomer
molecules each containing six carbon atoms i.e. adipic acid (HOOC (CH 2)4 COOH) and
hexamethylenediamine (H2N CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 NH2)
3. The presence of two bifunctional monomer molecules undergo condensation with the
loss of simple molecule of water, alcohol to form dimer.
4. Since both adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine contain six carbon atoms each.
5. When two or more different monomers are allowed to polymerize together, the
product formed is called a copolymer and the process is called copolymerisation.
6. Biodegradable polymers : All those biopolymers which disintegrate by themselves in
biological systems during certain period of time by enzymatic hydrolysis are called
biodegradable polymers.
Example : Poly-p-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-p-Hydro- xyvalerate (PHBV)
Uses : These are used
• in packaging
• in orthopaedic devices
• in controlled drug release
• in bacterial degradation
7. Since both adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine contain six carbon atoms each.
8. The polymer formed by the polymerization of a single/same monomeric species is
known as homopolymerization.
Example : Polythene/PVC/Polypropene.
9. Answer:

up of some monomer units

10. Example : Nylon 6,6

Short Answers-

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1. Answer:

2. Answer:

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3. Answer:

4. Answer: Condensation polymerisation : In this, two or more bifunctional molecules

undergo a series of independent condensation reactions with the elimination of
simple molecules like H2O, alcohol, NH3, CO2, HCl etc. to form a macromolecule.
Example : Formation of nylon 6, 6

Addition polymerisation : In this, the molecules of the same or different monomers

simply add on one another to form macromolecule. These molecules occur among
molecules containing double and triple bonds.
Example : Formation of polyethene

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5. Answer:

(ii)

6. Answer: (i) Bakelite : Phenol and formaldehyde ➝ Condensation polymer.

(ii) Nylon-6 : The monomeric repeating unit of Nylon-6 is

7. Answer:
(i) Bakelite :
(a) It is used in making handles of utensils.
(b) Also used in production of billiard balls, dominoes and pieces for games like
chess.
(ii) Nylon 6 :
(a) Nylon is used in making stockings.
(b) It is also used for making parachutes.
8. Answer:
1. Elastomers
2. Fibres
3. Thermoplastic polymers
4. Thermosetting polymers.
9. Answer:

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(i) Nylon-6 :

10. Answer: Thermoplastic polymers : Linear polymers in which the intermolecular forces
of attraction are in between those of elastomers and fibres and can be melted again
and again on heating followed by moulding to give desired shape.
Example : Polyethene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) etc.
Thermosetting polymers : These are semifluid substances with low molecular masses
which when heated in a mould, undergo change in chemical composition to give a hard,
infusible and insoluble mass. These cannot be re-melted.
Example : Bakelite, Melamine etc.
Long Answers-
1. Ans. Polymerisation of ethene takes place by free radical mechanism. It follows a three
step mechanism:-
Step I: chain initiating step formation of phenyl free radical.

Step II:

Step III: Chain termination step

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2. Ans.
(LDP) Low Density Polythene (HDP) High Density Polythene
1. It is obtained by polymerisation
of ethane under pressure of
1000 to 2000 atm. & 1. It is formed when polymerisation
temperature of 350K to 570K. takes place in a hydrocarbon
2. It is prepared in the presence of solvent in presence of a catalyst
dioxygen or a peroxide initiator. e.g. Ziegter-natta catalyst at 333K-
3. It has highly branched structure. 343K and 6-7atm pressure.
4. It is chemically inert, tough and 2. It requires Ziegler – Natta catalyst.
flexible. 3. It has a linear structure.
5. It is a poor conductor of 4. It in more tougher and harder.
electricity. 5. It is used for making buckets,
6. It is used in toys, flexible pipes dustbins, pipes etc.
etc.

3. Ans. Bakelite – It is phenol – formaldehyde polymer.

Melamine – It is melamine – formaldehyde polymer

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4. Ans. Preparation
(i) Nylon – 6, 6
Monomers: Hexamethylene diamine Adipic acid.

(ii) Dacron
Monomers: Ethylene Glycol
Terephthalic acid

5. Ans. Polymers are classified on the basis of structure as follows:

1. Linear polymers:
These polymers are formed of long straight chains. They can be depicted as:
For e.g., high density polythene (HDP), polyvinyl chloride, etc.

2. Branched chain polymers:

These polymers are basically linear chain polymers with some branches. These polymers
are represented as:
For e.g., low density polythene (LDP), amylopectin, etc.

3. Cross-linked or Network polymers:

These polymers have many cross-linking bonds that give rise to a network-like structure.
These polymers contain bi-functional and tri-functional monomers and strong covalent
bonds between various linear polymer chains. Examples of such polymers include bakelite
and melmac.

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6. Ans.
Homopolymer Copolymer
The polymers that are formed by the
The polymers whose repeating
polymerization of a single monomer are
units are derived from two types
known as homopolymers. In other words,
of monomers are known as
the repeating units of homopolymers are
copolymers. For example, Buna –
derived only from one monomer. For
S is a copolymer of 1, 3-butadiene
example, polythene is a homopolymer of
and styrene.
ethene.
7. Ans. Addition polymerization is the process of repeated addition of monomers,
possessing double or triple bonds to form polymers. For example, polythene is formed by
addition polymerization of ethene.

Condensation polymerization is the process of formation of polymers by repeated

condensation reactions between two different bi-functional or tri-functional monomers. A
small molecule such as water or hydrochloric acid is eliminated in each condensation. For
example, nylon 6, 6 is formed by condensation polymerization of hexamethylenediamine
and adipic acid.

8. Ans. The process of forming polymers from two or more different monomeric units is
called copolymerization. Multiple units of each monomer are present in a copolymer. The
process of forming polymer Buna-S from 1, 3-butadiene and styrene is an example of
copolymerization

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Nylon 6, 6 is also a copolymer formed by hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.

Assertion and Reason Answers:

1. (c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement
Explanation:
Bakelite can be heated only once.
2. (b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct
explanation for assertion.
Explanation:
Due to the presence of strong C–F bonds, teflon has high thermal stability and chemical
inertness.

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