Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Which of the monomers or monomer pairs give cross-linked networks when polymerised under
appropriate conditions?
a b c d
a b c d
2. Consider the following monomers and state the monomer functionality in each case.
Monomer O
H2C CH C O CH2 CH CH2 CH2OH
CN HOH2C C CH2OH
CH2OH
C O CH2 CH CH2
O
Functionality
3. What type of plastics does not melt when heated but will eventually burn at high temperatures?
Thermoplastics
Thermosets
Thermoplastic elastomers
A H H
H2C C C CH2
B CH3
CH3 C CH2
C H H
H3C C C CH2
CH3
5. Identify the following copolymers (A and B are chemically different repeat units):
b c
Valeria Arrighi 2
6. (a) Write down the structure of a random copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile, including at
least 6 repeat units.
H H
H 2C C H2C C Styrene
CN
Acrylonitrile
(b) Which polymerisation method would you choose to prepare this copolymer?
8. Which of the following polymers has the highest and which the lowest Tg ?
Highest Tg Lowest Tg
(a) −CH2CH2−
(b) −CH2CH(CH3)−
(c) −CH2CH(Cl)−
(d) −CH2CH2−O−
10. Sketch the copolymer composition diagram expected for the styrene (S) / butadiene (B)
copolymer system, given that the reactivity ratios are rS = 0.58 and rB = 1.4.
Valeria Arrighi 3
11. The specific volume versus temperature curve
for unstretched (A) and stretched (B) rubber
samples is shown below.
Identify all transition temperatures
.
12. Consider the stress–strain diagram shown below. Clearly mark in the diagram: (a) the break
point, (b) the elastic modulus and (c) the tensile strength.
Valeria Arrighi 4
Selected Exam questions
1. Styrene is a unique monomer, in that it can be polymerized by practically all methods of chain
polymerization : (a) free radical, (b) ionic (e.g. anionic) and (c) co-ordination (i.e. using a
catalyst).
(i) Which of the three polymerization methods listed above is used commercially to synthesize
atactic PS? Briefly explain.
(ii) Explain why polystyrene is capable of forming stereoisomers and draw the structure of three
different tactic forms (atactic, syndiotactic and isotactic)
(iii) Which of the three polymerization methods listed above would you choose to make isotactic
PS? Briefly explain.
[8]
On the basis of the values reported above, calculate the number average molecular weight Mn,
the weight average Mw and the polydispersity.
[5]
3. How would you prepare random copolymers of styrene and p-methyl styrene ?
The reactivity ratios for styrene (monomer 1) and p-methylstyrene (monomer 2) are r1 = 0.98
and r2 = 0.95. Sketch the copolymer composition diagram expected for this system.
[4]
5. Atactic poly(p-methyl styrene) has a glass transition at 97 oC. Is this a rigid or flexible plastic?
Sketch the expected stress-strain curve.
[3]
Valeria Arrighi 5