Problem 35 How are a nylon and polyethylene... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 19: Problem 35

How are a nylon and polyethylene similar? How are they different?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Nylon and polyethylene are both synthetic polymers that are resistant to chemicals and can be molded into shapes. However, they differ in their structure and properties. Whereas nylon, a condensation polymer made from a diamine and a diacid, has a high melting point and is strong and flexible, polyethylene, an addition polymer made from ethylene, has a lower melting point, is lighter and is more suitable for packaging purposes due to its properties.

Step by step solution

Understanding Nylon and Polyethylene

Firstly, understand what nylon and polyethylene are. They both are types of synthetic polymers, materials made up of a long chain of the same repeating molecules. Polyethylene is a type of polymer called 'addition polymer,' made from ethylene monomers, and is often used in plastic bags, containers, and other packaging. Nylon is a type of 'condensation polymer' made from repeating units of a diamine and a diacid. It is often used in textiles due to its strength and flexibility.

Identifying Similarities

Identify the similarities between nylon and polyethylene. Being synthetic polymers, they have shared characteristics: Both are resistant to chemicals, can be molded into shapes, and are widely used in several industries.

Identifying Differences

Identify the differences between nylon and polyethylene. Polyethylene is a simple polymer formed by repeating units of a single monomer, ethylene, whereas nylon is made from two different types of monomers, a diamine and a diacid. Due to this structural difference, nylon has a higher melting point and is more flexible and stronger than polyethylene which makes it suitable for use in clothing, ropes, etc. On the other hand, polyethylene is lighter, has a low melting point, and is more suitable for packaging purposes.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Nylon

Nylon is a fascinating material integral to many of our everyday items. It belongs to the family of synthetic polymers called condensation polymers. This means nylon is formed when two different monomers, usually a diamine and a diacid, combine and release a molecule of water for each linkage.
Nylon boasts several unique properties:

Strength and Durability: Nylon is known for its high tensile strength, which makes it incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Flexibility: It has a considerable degree of flexibility, making it suitable for applications needing bending and twisting without breaking.
High Melting Point: This material can withstand high temperatures without melting, which makes it a good choice for textiles and industrial uses.

These characteristics make nylon an ideal material for producing fabrics, toothbrush bristles, ropes, and even fishing nets. Its versatility continues to make it a preferred choice in various industries ranging from fashion to engineering.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene stands out as one of the most common synthetic polymers worldwide. Known as an addition polymer, polyethylene is created through the polymerization of ethylene monomers. This process simplifies into the repeated addition of the small ethylene molecule, resulting in a long chain of carbon atoms.
Some features that define polyethylene include:

Lightweight: Polyethylene is incredibly light, making it ideal for applications where weight is a concern.
Low Melting Point: Its low melting point is suitable for various packaging needs, such as films and bags where easy melting is beneficial.
Chemical Resistance: Polyethylene resists various chemicals, which is why it is often utilized for containers and packaging that need to withstand exposure to different substances.

You will find polyethylene in everyday items such as plastic bags, bottles, and protective wrapping, reflecting its wide usability. Its relatively simple structure allows for easy and cost-effective manufacturing, adding to its popularity in industrial and consumer applications.

Polymerization

Polymerization is the process underlying the creation of synthetic polymers like nylon and polyethylene. It is basically the chemical reaction where small molecules, known as monomers, combine to form a polymer chain. There are two primary types of polymerization: addition and condensation.

Addition Polymerization:

This involves the joining of monomers without the loss of any atoms.
Polyethylene is a classic example, where ethylene molecules link together to form a polymer chain.

Condensation Polymerization:

In this case, monomers combine while releasing a small molecule, typically water.
Nylon is made through this process, where a diamine and a diacid join and expel water upon linkage.

Understanding polymerization is essential as it highlights how vast and varied polymers can be. These reactions define the structure and properties of the resulting material, impacting not only their physical characteristics but also their applications in everyday use.

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How are a nylon and polyethylene similar? How are they different?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Nylon and Polyethylene

Identifying Similarities

Identifying Differences

Key Concepts

Nylon

Polyethylene

Polymerization

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