Polymers�Two Variations on a Theme
Image: http://pslc.ws/macrog/xlink.htm
University of Southern Mississippi
Mer: a group of atoms
Polymer: A group of repeating “mers”
A mer in a polymer of rubber
For the rubber polymer, introducing
sulfur forms cross links between the polymer
chains and significantly strengthens the
rubber…
It changes the physical properties
by changing the atomic structure and the
cross linked polymer is 1 giant molecule
Polymers
Cross - Linked
Experiment
Observe
Document
Ponder
Each bond
between atoms
has a specific strength
A different atom or molecule introduced into this polymer “system” can form or break bonds dependent upon the relative strengths
Changes in bonds will result in a change in the atomic arrangement (molecular structure) and potentially change the properties of the “system”
Cross-Linked Polymer
Ref: alevelnotes.com
Ref: glogster.com
O
H
δ -
H
δ +
δ +
O
H
δ -
H
δ +
δ +