Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 15: Problem 36

Briefly explain the difference in molecular chemistry between silicone polymers and other polymeric materials.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The main difference in molecular chemistry between silicone polymers and other polymeric materials lies in their molecular structure, specifically the backbone. Silicone polymers have a silicon-oxygen backbone with organic side groups, while other polymers, such as organic polymers, have a carbon-based backbone. This contributes to silicone polymers' unique properties, including greater thermal stability, resistance to degradation, and versatility in applications.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the composition of silicone polymers

In order to understand how silicone polymers are different from other polymeric materials, we first need to understand the composition of silicone polymers. These consist of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms in the backbone, with organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms.
02

Understand the composition of other polymeric materials

Other polymeric materials, which can be broadly classified into two groups, namely organic polymers and inorganic polymers, typically have a backbone of carbon atoms (for organic polymers) or a combination of different elements, such as boron, nitrogen, and phosphorus (for inorganic polymers). The side groups vary significantly depending on the type of polymer.
03

Compare the silicon-oxygen backbone of silicone polymers to carbon-based backbones

The key difference between silicone polymers and organic polymers lies in the nature of the backbone. While silicone polymers have a silicon-oxygen backbone, organic polymers have a carbon-based backbone. The silicon-oxygen bond is more stable and less reactive than the carbon-carbon bond found in organic polymers. This results in silicone polymers being more resistant to degradation at high temperatures and in harsh chemical environments.
04

Discuss the effect of organic side groups on silicone polymers

The organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms in silicone polymers also contribute to their unique properties. These side groups affect the flexibility, thermal stability, and chemical resistance of the polymer. In general, silicone polymers exhibit low surface energy, low toxicity, and outstanding resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation when compared to other polymeric materials.
05

Mention the applications of silicone polymers

Due to their unique molecular chemistry, silicone polymers find use in a wide range of applications, such as sealants, adhesives, electrical insulation, medical devices, coatings, and many others. This versatility and durability make silicone polymers a valuable material in various industries. In conclusion, the primary difference between silicone polymers and other polymeric materials lies in their molecular chemistry, which includes a silicon-oxygen backbone and organic side groups. These unique features grant silicone polymers a range of valuable properties such as high thermal stability, resistance to degradation, and versatility in applications.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Fifteen kilograms of polychloroprene is vulcanized with \(5.2 \mathrm{~kg}\) of sulfur. What fraction of the possible crosslink sites is bonded to sulfur crosslinks, assuming that, on the average, \(5.5\) sulfur atoms participate in each crosslink?

For each of the following pairs of polymers, plot and label schematic specific volume-versustemperature curves on the same graph [i.e., make separate plots for parts (a) to \((\mathrm{c})]\) (a) Linear polyethylene with a weight-average molecular weight of \(75,000 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\); branched polyethylene with a weight-average molecular weight of \(50,000 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\) (b) Spherulitic poly(vinyl chloride) of \(50 \%\) crystallinity and having a degree of polymerization of 5000 ; spherulitic polypropylene of \(50 \%\) crystallinity and degree of polymerization of 10,000 (c) Totally amorphous polystyrene having a degree of polymerization of 7000 ; totally amorphous polypropylene having a degree of polymerization of 7000

For each of the following pairs of polymers, do ( the following: (1) State whether it is possible to decide whether one polymer has a higher tensile modulus than the other; (2) if this is possible, note which has the higher tensile modulus and cite the reason(s) for your choice; and (3) if it is not possible to decide, state why. (a) Branched and atactic poly(vinyl chloride) with a weight-average molecular weight of \(100,000 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\); linear and isotactic poly(vinyl chloride) having a weight-average molecular weight of \(75,000 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\) (b) Random styrene-butadiene copolymer with \(5 \%\) of possible sites crosslinked; block styrene-butadiene copolymer with \(10 \%\) of possible sites crosslinked (c) Branched polyethylene with a number-average molecular weight of \(100,000 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\); atactic polypropylene with a number-average molecular weight of \(150,000 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\)

List the two molecular characteristics that are essential for elastomers.

Nylon 6,6 may be formed by means of a condensation polymerization reaction in which hexamethylene diamine \(\left[\mathrm{NH}_{2}-\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{6}-\mathrm{NH}_{2}\right]\) and adipic acid react with one another with the formation of water as a by- product. What masses of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid are necessary to yield \(20 \mathrm{~kg}\) of completely linear nylon \(6,6 ?\) (Note: The chemical equation for this reaction is the answer to Concept Check 15.12.)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Dynamics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation

Energy Physics

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Magnetism

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free