Question 1: Define condensation polymerisation in your own words.

Answer: A polymerisation process where monomers join together, releasing small molecules such as water or methanol as by-products.

Question 2: Describe the general mechanism involved in condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Monomers with two functional groups react, forming covalent bonds while releasing small molecules. This process repeats, creating long polymer chains.

Question 3: What types of functional groups are typically involved in condensation polymerisation?

Answer: Carboxylic acids, alcohols, amines, or other groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the release of small molecules.

Question 1: Calculate the number of molecules of water produced when 0.5 mol of a diacid reacts with 0.5 mol of a diol to form a polyester.

Answer: 1 mol of water (since each mole of diacid reacts with a mole of diol, releasing one mole of water).

Question 2: If the molar mass of the repeating unit in a condensation polymer is 200 g/mol, what is the mass of 2.5 mol of the polymer?

Answer: 500 grams (2.5 mol × 200 g/mol).

Question 1: Design a basic outline for an experiment to synthesise a polyester via condensation polymerisation, including the key variables and safety precautions.

Answer: Mix a diacid and diol in a controlled environment, maintaining temperature and pH. Variables include concentration, temperature, and reaction time. Use gloves and eye protection to handle chemicals safely. Remove excess water to drive the reaction forward.

Question 2: Explain how condensation polymers such as polyesters are used in the textile industry and discuss their environmental impact.

Answer: Polyesters are used to produce fibres for clothing due to their durability and ease of manufacturing. However, they are non-biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution, raising environmental concerns.

Question 1: A manufacturer reports that producing 1 tonne of polyester fibre releases 200 kg of water vapour during polymerisation. Explain the significance of this data in terms of process efficiency and environmental impact.

Answer: It indicates the amount of water produced per tonne of fibre, highlighting the scale of water release and the need for proper waste management to minimise environmental impact. Process efficiency can be assessed by comparing water usage and energy consumption.