Polymers and

Polymerization
Ms Hinkson
Objectives
• - Define polymers

• - Distinguish between addition and

condensation as reactions in the
formation of polymers

• - State uses of different types of

polymers

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Introduction
• Polymers are macromolecules, which are formed by linking
monomers together in chain-like structures.

• Monomers are the building blocks of polymers.

• The process which forms these macromolecules is called

polymerization.
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There are two types of polymerization:
- Addition polymerization
- Condensation polymerization

Addition polymerization:
This occurs when unsaturated monomers(alkenes, alkynes, etc.) are linked
together to form a saturated polymer(alkane).

Condensation polymerization:
This occurs when monomers are joined by the elimination of a small
molecule between each unit. E.g. Water Peptide
bond

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 Properties of polymers
• The properties of a polymer depend on the type of monomer units, as well as the type of linkages that
hold the monomers together.

• These properties help us to recognize the difference between the types of polymers.

• Polymers can be man-made (synthetic), or they can occur naturally.

• Most synthetic/man-made polymers are referred to as plastics.

• Examples of these are:

• polyethene(garbage bags, plastic bottles),

• polypropene(plastic bottle covers, plastic chairs),

• polystyrene(Styrofoam containers and cups, packing peanuts) and

• polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
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Classification of polymers

Type of polymerization Type of polymer Examples

Synthetic Natural
Addition polymerization polyalkenes Polyethene
Polypropene
Polystyrene
Polyvinyl chloride
Condensation Polymerization polyamides Nylon Proteins
polyesters Terylene
polysaccharides - Starch
glucose
glycogen (animal starch)

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Structure of polymers – Polyalkenes

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Structure of polymers – Polyamides

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Structure of polymers – Polyester

Represents the loss of water between

monomers

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Structure of polymers – Polysaccahrides

Represents the loss of water between

monomers 10
 Advantages and disadvantages of plastics
• Easily shaped and molded • Non-biodegradable- contributes to land
pollution
• Inexpensive/cheap
• Produces dense smoke and poisonous
• Lightweight
gases when burnt- contributes to air
• Susceptible to dyes pollution

• Durable- no rust or corrosion • Many are flammable- poses fire hazards

• Good thermal and electrical insulators • Is difficult to recycle

• Can be flexible or rigid with manipulation

• Very strong
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 Hydrolysis of polysaccharides and proteins

In the lab:

• Polysaccharides and proteins can be hydrolysed to monosaccharides as well as

amino acids by boiling with dilute acids.

In Biological systems:

• Hydrolysis is achieved by enzymes during digestion.

• The structure of a protein can be

determined by the hydrolysis of the protein
and identifying the amino acids which are
present during a process called
chromatography.

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Differences in the properties of a monomer
and its polymer Using glucose(monomer) and
starch(polymer)

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Sucrose
Sucrose is a dimer(A molecular complex linking two molecules together) formed by the condensation of the
isomers; glucose and fructose.

Commercial sources of sucrose are

the sugars from sugar cane and
beets.

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 - Polymers are macromolecules which are produced from 50 or more monomers.

- There are two types of polymerization; addition and condensation.

Summary - Synthetic polymers are plastics such as garbage bags, bottle covers, PVC pipe
and Styrofoam.

- Natural polymers are used in foods as carbohydrates such as starch in potatoes

and protein in meat

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Game time!

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