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Polymers and composites

Which polymer is synthesized by condensation (step-growth) polymerization?

  1. ANylon 66
  2. BPolyethylene
  3. CPolystyrene
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Answer: A. Nylon 66

Nylon 66 is synthesized by condensation polymerization of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, with one molecule of water released each time an amide bond forms. Condensation polymerization is step-growth polymerization, in which reactions between functional groups proceed stepwise, and high molecular weight is reached only at very high conversion. Polyethylene and polystyrene are made by addition (chain-growth) polymerization, in which the double bonds of ethylene or styrene open and link one after another, with no by-products. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is also made by condensation polymerization, from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Note that having “ethylene” in the name does not necessarily mean addition polymerization.

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