Only 4 types of monomers, but if we look at the human species only, how many different individuals are there?

Two main types

Natural
Synthetic

Also can be classified as

Condensation polymers
Addition polymers

Depends on how the polymers are formed Structural formula of monomer is not the same as structural formula of repeating unit

C6H12O6

(C6H10O5)

C5H8 Same molecular formula

poly

(C5H8 )n

-No loss of atoms/ molecules during polymerization

Synthetic polymers / plastic Animation

Polyethene/ polyethylene is an addition polymer.

In the presence of a catalyst, ethene molecules add to each other to form the polymer, with no loss of atoms/ molecules. The double bond breaks and 2 new single bonds form, connecting to other ethene molecules

Elasticity Oxidation

Ordinary conditions

Effect of heat

C=C makes natural rubber prone to oxidation Loss of elasticity Prevented by adding carbon or antioxidants Low T hard, brittle High T soft and sticky
Stretched polymer chains straighten

Effect of solvent
oils

Waterproof But soluble in hydrocarbons benzene, petrol, lubricating

Strain removed

Use the graphic cue to come up with a story explaining the picture At the end of this activity, each group rep will tell the story they created, starting with Group 1 (picture #1)

C=C

S2Cl2 , methylbenzene

Preparing vulcanized rubber

Heat latex with sulphur at ~140C, catalyst: ZnO

Disulphide linkages, -S-S- : - Stronger - more elastic - Higher melting point, does not become soft and sticky - More resistant to oxidation

S2Cl2 , methylbenzene

Soak latex with in a solution of disulphur dichloride in methylbenzene