CHEMISTRY POLYMERS

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 polymerisation.
Examples:
i) Conversion of ethene to polyethene

Classification of Polymers

Based on some special considerations following are some of the common classifications of polymers:

 Classification Based on Source

In this type of classification, there are three sub categories:

1. Natural Polymers
Proteins, cellulose, starch, some resins and rubber are examples of polymers found in plants.

2. Semi-synthetic Polymers
Cellulose derivatives like cellulose acetate (rayon) and cellulose nitrate etc. are examples of
thiscategory.
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3. Synthetic Polymers
Plastic (polythene), nylon (6, 6) and synthetic rubbers (Buna —S) are examples of man-made
polymers.

 Classification Based on Structure of Polymers

1. Linear Polymers
These polymers are made up of long and straight chains.Examples: High density polythene,
polyvinyl chloride

2. Branched Chain Polymers

They contain linear chains having some branches.Example: Low density polythene

3. Cross linked or Network Polymers

It is formed from bi-functional and tri-functional monomers and contains strong covalent
bondsbetween various linear polymer chains.
Example: Bakelite, melamine etc.

 Classification Based on Mode of Polymerisation

Polymers can also be classified on the basis of mode of polymerisation into two sub groups.
1. Addition Polymers
It is formed by the repeated addition of monomer molecules possessing double or triple
bonds. The addition polymers formed by the polymerisation of a single monomeric species
are known as homopolymers.
Example: Formation of polythene from ethene.

The addition polymers formed by the polymerisation of two different monomers are
known as copolymers.
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Example: Buna-S, Buna-N, etc.

2. Condensation Polymers
• These polymers are formed by repeated condensation reaction between two
different bi-functional or tri-functional monomeric units.
• In these reactions, elimination of small molecules such as water, alcohol, hydrogen
chlorideetc. takes place.

 Classification Based on Molecular Forces

In this category, polymers are classified into four sub groups on the basis of magnitude of
intermolecular forces present in them.

1. Elastomers
• In these elastomeric polymers, the polymer chains are held together by weakest
intermolecularforces which allow the polymer to be stretched.
• A few ‘crosslinks’ are introduced in between the chains which help the polymer to
retract to itsoriginal position after the force is released as in vulcanised rubber.
Example: Buna-S, Buna-N, neoprene etc.

2. Fibres
• They are thread forming solids with high tensile strength and high modulus.
• These characteristics are because of the strong intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
• These strong forces also lead to close packing of chains and thus impart crystalline
nature.Example: Polyamides (nylon 6, 6), polyesters (terylene), etc.

3. Thermoplastic polymers
• These are the linear or slightly branched long chain molecules which soften on
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heating andharden on cooling.

• These polymers have intermediate forces of attraction intermediate between
elastomers andfibres.
Example: polythene, polystyrene, polyvinyls, etc.

4. Thermosetting polymers
They are cross linked or heavily branched molecules which on heating undergo extensive
crosslinking in moulds and again become infusible and cannot be reused.
Example: Bakelite, urea-formaldehyde resins etc.

 Classification Based on Growth Polymerisation

The addition and condensation polymers are nowadays also referred as chain growth
polymers and step growth polymers depending on the type of polymerisation mechanism
they undergo during their formation.

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.
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• The steps involved are as follows:

Step 1:

Chain initiating step: Organic peroxides undergo homolytic fission to form free radicals which
act as an initiator. The initiator adds to the C—C double bond of an alkene molecule to form a
new free radical.

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.
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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

(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 thepresence 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 high
pressures.
• 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.
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• It is used as a substitute for wool in making commercial fibres as orlon or acrilan.

 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
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adipicacid under high pressure and at high temperature.

• It is used in making sheets, bristles for brushes and in textile industry.

(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)

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

• Butadiene-styrene copolymer is quite tough and is a good substitute for natural rubber.
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• 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.

Preparation of Synthetic Rubbers

1. Neoprene
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• 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.
• The molecular mass of polymers can be determined by chemical and physical methods.
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Biodegradable Polymers

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

biodegradable polymers 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.
 Mind map : learning made simple Chapter - 15
• Based on source:
CH=CH2O (i) Natural polymers : Found in plants and animals. (Proteins, rubber)
(ii) Semi–synthetic polymers : (Cellulose derivatives)
nCH2=CH–CH=CH2+ → [CH2–CH=CH–CH2–CH–CH2]n
(iii) Synthetic polymers : Man-made. (Polythene, Buna –S)
Butadiene Butadiene – styrene copolymer
Styrene • Based on structure of polymers high density:
(i) Linear polymers : Long and straight. (Polythene, PVC)≅
(ii) Branched chain polymers : Linear chains with branc hes (low density polythene)
Types : (iii) Cross linked or network polymers : Strong covalent bond between various
(i) Natural rubber : natural and manufactured from rubber latex. linear polymer chains. (Bakelite, Melamine)
It is a liner polymer of isoprene. • Based on mode of polymerization:
(ii) Synthetic rubber : Any vulcanisable rubber. These are
homopolymers of 1,3 butadiene derivatives. (i) Addition polymers : Repeated addition of monomers containing double or
Rubber
Cl triple bonds. (Polythene from ethene )

–
N–CH2=Cl–CH=CH2 Polymerisation [CH2–C=CH–CH2]n Homopolymer : Single monomeric species (Polythene)

–
C Copolymer : Two different monomers (Buna–S, Buna–N)
(ii) Condensation polymers : Repeated condensation between two different
bi–functional or tri–functional monomeric units. (Terylene, Nylon 6)
• Based on Molecular Forces:
(I) Elastomers : Rubber–like solids with elastic properties (Buna–S, Buna–N)
(ii) Fibres : Thread forming solids. (Nylon 6,6, Terylene)
•Expressed as an average. (iii) Thermoplastic polymers : Linear or slightly branched long chain molecules
•Determined by chemical and physical methods. capable of repeatedly softening on heating and hardening on cooling.
(polythene, polystyrene)
(iv) Thermosetting polymers : Cross linked or heavily branched molecules
which on heating undergo extensive cross linking in moulds and become
Contain functional groups similar to biopolymers (PHBV, Nylon 2– nylon 6)
infusible. (Bakelite)
Polymers

• Polythene
Low density : Polymerization of ethene under 1000–2000 atm at 350–570 K + catalyst
Higher density : addition polymerization of ethene in a hydrocarbon solvent at
333–343 K and 6–7 atm + catalyst • (i) Addition/Chain Growth : Molecules of the same/different monomers add together on a large scale.
Catalyst Free radical mechanism :
• Teflon: nCF2 = CF2  → –CF –CF2–]n
High pressure [ 2 (a) Chain initiation step:
CN

–
Polymerisation O O O
• Polyacrylonitrile: nCH2=CHCN  → CH2–CH]n . .
Peroxide C6H5–C–O–O–C–C6H5 → 2C6H5–C–O → 2C6H5
• Nylon 6,6: nHOOC(CH 2)4 COOH + nH2(CH2)6NH2 . .
C6H5 + CH2 = CH2 → C6H5–CH2–CH2
O H O O
533K (b) Chain propagating step:
 → N–(CH ) –N–C–(CH ) –C . . .
High pressure 2 6 2 4 n C6H5–CH2–CH2 + CH2 = CH2 → C6H5–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2 → C6H5–(CH2–CH2)n– CH2–CH2
H
(c) Chain terminating step:

–
.
2[C6H5–(CH2–CH2)n– CH 2–CH2] → C6H5–(CH2–CH2)n– CH2–CH2 – CH2–(CH2 – CH2)n– C6H5
• Nylon 6: H2C
– N – C=O O H
533 - 543 K • (ii) Condensation/Step Growth : Repetitive condensation reaction between two bi–functional

–
 →
CH2 H2O
C–(CH2)5–N n monomers. (Formation of terylene)
H2 C

–
– –
H2 C
– CH2
Caprolactum
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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.
8. Which of the following is not a condensation polymer?
(a) Glyptal
(b) Nylon-66
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(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
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
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(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:
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.
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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
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 (CH2)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)
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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-
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

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

Melamine – It is melamine – formaldehyde polymer

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

(ii) Dacron
Monomers: Ethylene Glycol
Terephthalic acid
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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.

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

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.