Question

Define the following terms - you may need to consult your lecture text or other suitable resource:

Answer 1

Answer:

a) Monomers: monomers are unit molecules, that can react together with other monomers, to form a long chain molecule called a polymer. Th polymer formed can also be in a three dimensional network. The process of this conversion of monomers to polymers is called polymerization.

b) Repeating unit: A repeating unit is a unit of the polymer formed, whose repetition would produce a long complete polymer chain. A polymer is made up of these repeating links of molecules that form a long chain of molecules.

c) Condensation polymerization: This is a form of condensation reaction, that involves the combination of molecules into polymers with the loss of small molecules such as water or methanol as by products.

d) Cross-linked polymer: This is a polymer formed from a type of bonding of molecules. The bonding is usually in the form of covalent bonds or ionic bonds and the polymers can be either synthetic polymers or natural polymers.  The cross-links leads to an alteration in the physical properties of the polymer.