Question

What is Polymerization? Write the names of any three polymers and their one main use.

Answer 1

Hint: Try to figure out the preparation process of a Polymer. Then we can get an idea about polymerization. There different types of polymers based on their method of preparation. Try to find out the repeating unit in the polymer and derive the polymer name.

Complete step by step answer:
> We know that polymerization is the process of reacting one or more monomer molecules to form a single long chain called a polymer. Based on the number of different monomers involved in polymerization reactions we classify polymer either as homopolymer or copolymer. Based on the mechanism followed in polymerization there are 2 types of polymerization they are chain reaction polymerization and step reaction polymerization. Step growth polymers are also called condensation polymers. Chain growth polymers are also called as addition polymers.
> Polymerization of ethene gives polythene. This is a chain or addition polymer. Here there is no loss of water molecules. Polyethene is mainly used in manufacturing toys and various home appliances.
\[nCH_{ 2 }=CH_{ 2 }\quad →\quad [-CH_{ 2 }-CH_{ 2 }-]_{ n }\]
> Polymerization of ethylene chloride gives Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is an additional polymer It is mainly used in manufacturing water pipes and water bottles.
\[nCH_{ 2 }=CHCl\quad →\quad [-CH_{ 2 }-CHCl-]_{ n }\]
> The polymerization of glucose gives starch or cellulose. It is a condensation polymer. Starch is broken down into smaller molecules and consumed by animals and humans. Cellulose is used in manufacturing paper.
\[n{ C }_{ 6 }{ H }_{ 12 }{ O }_{ 6 }\quad \rightarrow \quad \left[ -{ C }_{ 6 }{ H }_{ 10 }{ O }_{ 5 }- \right] _{ n }\quad +\quad n{ H }_{ 2 }O\]

Note: In chain-growth polymerization, there will be no loss of molecules whereas in step-growth polymerization there will be loss of molecules. In chain polymerization, free radical addition will occur. Whereas in step polymerization either cation or anion will propagate the reaction.