Types of Polymers & Condensation Polymerisation (Higher Tier)
Part of Polymers — GCSE Chemistry
This higher tier covers Types of Polymers & Condensation Polymerisation (Higher Tier) within Polymers for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Polymers in Organic Chemistry for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 14 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 8 of 15 in this topic. This section is most useful once the core foundation idea is secure, because it adds the detail that pushes answers higher.
Topic position
Section 8 of 15
Practice
20 questions
Recall
14 flashcards
🎓 Types of Polymers & Condensation Polymerisation (Higher Tier)
Thermosoftening Polymers
These polymers have only weak intermolecular forces between chains. When heated, the chains can slide past each other, so the polymer softens and can be remoulded. Examples: poly(ethene), polystyrene. These can be recycled by melting.
Thermosetting Polymers
These polymers have strong covalent bonds (cross-links) between chains as well as within chains. When heated, they don't melt but eventually char and decompose. They cannot be remoulded or recycled by melting. Examples: epoxy resins, Bakelite.
| Aspect | Thermosoftening | Thermosetting |
|---|---|---|
| Heating effect | Softens and melts | Chars and decomposes |
| Recycling | Can be recycled by melting | Cannot be recycled by melting |
| Cross-links | No cross-links between chains | Covalent cross-links between chains |
Condensation Polymerisation (Higher Tier)
Unlike addition polymerisation, condensation polymerisation involves monomers with two functional groups. When they join, a small molecule (usually water, H₂O) is released as a by-product.
| Aspect | Addition Polymerisation | Condensation Polymerisation |
|---|---|---|
| Monomer requirement | Alkenes with C=C only | Molecules with two functional groups |
| By-product | None — only polymer formed | Small molecule released (usually H₂O) |
| Examples | Poly(ethene), PVC, polystyrene | Nylon, proteins, starch, DNA |
Natural condensation polymers:
- Proteins — from amino acids (water released)
- Starch/cellulose — from glucose (water released)
- DNA — from nucleotides