Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is needed to begin chain-growth polymerization?
What is needed to begin chain-growth polymerization?
An initiator (a radical, cation, or anion)
How is the mechanism of radical polymerization similar to the radical addition of HBr to an alkene?
How is the mechanism of radical polymerization similar to the radical addition of HBr to an alkene?
A carbon radical is added to the double bond
Describe the initiation step in the mechanism of chain-growth addition polymers.
Describe the initiation step in the mechanism of chain-growth addition polymers.
Homolysis of the weak O-O bond of the peroxide forms RO, which then adds to a molecule of monomer to form a carbon radical
What happens during the propagation step in chain-growth addition polymers?
What happens during the propagation step in chain-growth addition polymers?
What effect does branching have on the intermolecular interactions of LDPE?
What effect does branching have on the intermolecular interactions of LDPE?
How is branching initiated in the formation of branched polyethylene during radical polymerization?
How is branching initiated in the formation of branched polyethylene during radical polymerization?
What is the temperature and pressure used in the first commercial polyethylene process?
What is the temperature and pressure used in the first commercial polyethylene process?
What is the primary use of LDPE in today's context?
What is the primary use of LDPE in today's context?
What type of interactions hold together the ordered regions of polyethylene chains?
What type of interactions hold together the ordered regions of polyethylene chains?
How do crystalline regions affect the toughness of a polymer?
How do crystalline regions affect the toughness of a polymer?
What characterizes a polymer's behavior on heating, and how are they defined?
What characterizes a polymer's behavior on heating, and how are they defined?
What effect does branching have on the amorphous nature and softness of polymers?
What effect does branching have on the amorphous nature and softness of polymers?
