Chemistry & Technology of Polymers — Winter 2020

Write at least three differences between addition and step growth polymerization reactions

Write the Mark-Houwink equation and explain all the terms in it.

Describe the three main steps of free radical polymerization.

What is ebulliometry? How is it used in the determination of polymer molecular weight?

How monomer functionality is exhibited in case of monomers participating in addition and step growth reactions?

Derive the equations for ‘number average and weight average molecular weight’ of a polymer sample.

Classify the following polymers between addition and step growth polymers and write at least one important property and use of each. Polyvinyl chloride, Nylon, Polyester, and Polystyrene.

Explain with examples the terms coordinate bond, hydrogen bond and the covalent bond in a chemical compound? Which one of them is the mostly found in polymers?

Compare and contrast suspension and emulsion techniques of polymerization.

Name the monomers used in the manufacture of Polyester, PVC, and PMMA.

What is copolymerization? State two examples of industrial copolymers.

Explain the solution technique and state advantages of the technique over other techniques of polymerization.

Why are initiators and inhibitors used in polymer synthesis?

Explain with a graphical representation the effect of heating/cooling on a polymeric substance.

Explain in detail melt polycondensation.1

Define crystallinity? How it is calculated?

Define the terms: degree of polymerization solubility parameter

What is the primary requirement for a step growth polymerization reaction to occur? Explain how molecular weight builds up in a step growth polymerization reaction.

Explain in brief the steam reforming process for manufacturing ethylene.

How do amorphous and crystalline parts of a polymer sample show different behavior during dissolution in a solvent?

Describe osmometric or light scattering experimental method of determination of molecular weight of a polymer sample.

What are ADU and VDU in crude distillation process?

What is interfacial polymerization technique? How is it different from other techniques?

Describe ultracentrifugation or end group analysis experimental method of determination of molecular weight of a polymer sample.