Condensation Polymers

Page 1

Condensation Polymers Include Polyamides, Polyesters and Polypeptides

Condensation polymerisation usually involves two different types of monomer, each with at least two functional groups. Each functional group reacts with a group on another monomer to form a link, creating polymer chains.

Each time a link is formed, a small molecule is lost (water) - that's why it's called condensation polymerisation.

Examples of condensation polymers include polyamides, polyesters and polypeptides.

Page 2

Reactions Between Dicarboxylic Acids and Diamines Make Polyamides

The carbonyl groups of dicarboxylic acids react with the amino groups of diamines to form amide links. Dicarboxylic acids and diamines have functional groups at each end of the molecules, so long chains can form.

Below is the formation of Nylon 6,6 followed by the formation of Kevlar

Page 3

Reactions Between Dicarboxylic Acids and Diols Make Polyesters

The carboxyl groups of dicarboxylic acids can also react with the hydroxyl groups of diols to form ester links. Polymers joined by ester links are called polyesters.