BRAINCAKECondensation Polymers
Revision notes for Condensation Polymers in AQA Chemistry (7405). Read the start of any lesson here, then sign in free for the whole lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz.
- Condensation PolymersCondensation polymerisation joins monomers together with the loss of a small molecule, usually water (or hydrogen chloride if an acyl chloride is…
- PolyestersA polyester is a condensation polymer in which the repeating units are joined by ester links, -COO-.
- PolyamidesA polyamide is a condensation polymer in which the repeating units are joined by amide links, -CONH-.
- Nylon-6,6 and KevlarNylon-6,6 and Kevlar are both polyamides, but their monomers give them very different properties.
- Drawing Repeat UnitsAQA expects you to work in both directions between monomers and polymers: draw the repeating unit from the monomers, draw it from a section of…
- Hydrogen Bonding between Polymer ChainsThe intermolecular forces between polymer chains control properties such as strength and melting point.
- Biodegradability of PolymersA biodegradable polymer is one that can be broken down in the environment, for example by microorganisms, into smaller molecules.
- Disposal and Recycling of PolymersMost polymers end up as waste, and each method of dealing with them has advantages and disadvantages.