Question

3.5. The number-average degrees of polymerization required for good mechanical properties by polymers V

and P are 2000 and 1500, respectively. It is known, however, that one of these polymers is poly(vinyl

chloride), while the other is poly(vinylidene chloride). On the basis of this information assign polymers V

and P. Explain your decision.

Answer 1

Given:

Degree of Polymerization for Polymer (V) poly(vinylidene chloride) is 2000 and for (P) poly(vinyl chloride) is 1500.

poly(vinyl chloride) is polar with a repeating unit of and poly(vinylidene chloride) is a non-polar unit with . The polar unit is due to the symmetry in the structure of poly(vinylidene chloride).

Hence, it will require a higher number of monomers strung together to develop good physical properties as its cohesive energy is mainly derived essentially from the Vander Waals forces.