Polymer Synthesis
Essay Preview: Polymer Synthesis
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The major objective of this experiment is to synthesis polymers such as Nylon 66, agar and slime polymer from organic compounds. Moreover, the relationship between polymer structure and polymer morphology is well examined.
PRE-LAB QUESTIONS
Q.1. Nylon 66 is a step growth polymerization. Polymerization is a process of reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction to form three-dimensional networks of polymer chains. There are two general types of polymerization reactions, both with many variations. These are Addition polymerization which occurs when reactive monomers unite without forming any other products, and Condensation polymerization which occurs by condensation of reactive monomers with the elimination of a simple molecule such as water.
-[CH2-CH]-
Repeating unit in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Q.3. Cross-links are covalent bonds formed between polymer chains, either within or across polymer chains. It is usually either between different chains or between different parts of the same chain. A solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can be made into a slime by adding borax solution, which creates crosslinks between polymer chains. The borate ion can make weak bonds with the OH groups in the polymer chains so it can link the chains together as shown below. This is called cross-linking.
Q.4. Biopolymers are polymers produced by living organisms. Since they are polymers, biopolymers contain monomeric units that are covalently bonded to form larger structures. Cellulose is a good example of a biopolymer. Beta glucose is the monomer unit in cellulose. As a result of the bond angles in the beta acetal linkage, cellulose is mostly a linear chain.
RESULTS
Table 1:
Polymer Type
Observations
Color
Physical Properties
Elasticity
Transparency
Adhesion
Tensile Strength
Nylon
Dry Nylon
4% Agrose gel
Gooey slime
White
White
Colorless
Solid
Solid
Solid
Semi-Solid
Elastic
Non-Elastic
Non-Elastic
(brittle)
Moderately Elastic
Opaque
Opaque
Transparent
Opaque
Smooth
Smooth
Smooth