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Polymer Structures
Question: On the basis of the structures presented in the previous section, sketch the
repeat unit structure for poly(vinyl fluoride).
Answer: Inasmuch as poly(vinyl chloride) has the repeat unit structure shown in Figure
4.2(b), replacing the side-bonded chlorine atom with a fluorine atom will yield a poly(vinyl
fluoride) repeat unit, as shown below.
conformation is that conformation is used in reference to the outline or shape of the chain
molecule, whereas, configuration refers to the arrangement of atom positions along the chain that
are not alterable except by the breaking and reforming of primary bonds.
Question: (a) Compare the crystalline state in metals and polymers. (b) Compare the
noncrystalline state as it applies to polymers and ceramic glasses.
Answers: (a) For crystalline metals, the individual atoms are positioned in a periodic or
ordered arrangement over relatively large atomic distances. The long-range order in polymer
crystals results from the packing of adjacent polymer chains.
(b) For noncrystalline ceramic glasses, the atomic randomness exists outside the SiO 4
4
unit. The disorder in polymers results from chain misalignment.