Condensation Polymerisation
Condensation Polymerisation involves two different types of monomers. Each monomer has at
least two different functional groups where one functional group reacts with another functional
group on another monomer. This forms a link and a small molecule (H2O) is lost as the polymer
is created. Condensation polymers can be identified as they usually have ester or amide bonds.
dicarboxylic acid + diol --> polyester
hydroxyl carboxylic acid + hydroxyl carboxylic acid --> polyester
dicarboxylic acid + diamine --> polyamide
amino acid + amino acid --> polypeptide
Addition Polymers only have Van Der Waals forces.
Polyesters have permanent dipole-dipole forces due to the C=O bonds.
Polyamides have hydrogen bonding due to the N-H bonds.
Polyester Production
Dicarboxylic acid + Diol ---> Polyester
Alternative method using two hydroxyl carboxylic acids:
, An example is Terylene formed from benzene-1,4- dicarboxylic acid. Some forms are stable at
hot and cold temperatures so are used to form plastic bottles, ship sails, clothing and sheets.
Polyamide Production
dicarboxylic acid + diamine --> polyamide
The amide group is CONH.
Produce two water molecules as a product.
Condensation Polymerisation involves two different types of monomers. Each monomer has at
least two different functional groups where one functional group reacts with another functional
group on another monomer. This forms a link and a small molecule (H2O) is lost as the polymer
is created. Condensation polymers can be identified as they usually have ester or amide bonds.
dicarboxylic acid + diol --> polyester
hydroxyl carboxylic acid + hydroxyl carboxylic acid --> polyester
dicarboxylic acid + diamine --> polyamide
amino acid + amino acid --> polypeptide
Addition Polymers only have Van Der Waals forces.
Polyesters have permanent dipole-dipole forces due to the C=O bonds.
Polyamides have hydrogen bonding due to the N-H bonds.
Polyester Production
Dicarboxylic acid + Diol ---> Polyester
Alternative method using two hydroxyl carboxylic acids:
, An example is Terylene formed from benzene-1,4- dicarboxylic acid. Some forms are stable at
hot and cold temperatures so are used to form plastic bottles, ship sails, clothing and sheets.
Polyamide Production
dicarboxylic acid + diamine --> polyamide
The amide group is CONH.
Produce two water molecules as a product.
