Glossary: Polymer chemistry

acetate. (CH₃COO^-, C₂H₃O₂^-) acetate ion.

1. an ion formed by removing the acidic hydrogen of acetic acid, HC₂H₃O₂. 2. a compound derived by replacing the acidic hydrogen in acetic acid. 3. A fiber made of cellulose acetate.

copolymer.

A polymer composed of two or more different monomers. The different monomers can be linked randomly, or in repeating sequences, or in blocks, or as side chains off the main chain.

ebulliometry. ebulliometric.

Determination of average molecular weight of a dissolved substance from the boiling point elevation of the solution.

monomer.

A small molecule that is linked with large numbers of other small molecules to form a chain or a network (polymer).

osmometry. Compare with osmosis.

Determination of the average molecular weight of a dissolved substance from measurements of osmotic pressure.

polymer.

A large molecule made by linking smaller molecules ("monomers") together.

polymerization.

A process that links smaller molecules together to form a larger molecule.

polymerize.

To link smaller molecules together to form a larger molecule.

thermoplastic. Compare with thermosetting.

A polymer that softens or melts on heating, and becomes rigid again on cooling. Thermoplastic polymer chains are not cross-linked. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic.

thermosetting. thermosetting plastic. Compare with thermoplastic.

A polymer that solidifies on heating and cannot be remelted. The setting action results from crosslinking of the polymer chains at high temperature- a process that is not reversed by cooling and reheating.

vinyl. polyethylene.

A polymer made by linking ethylene (CH₂=CH₂) or substituted ethylene molecules together.

Copyright © 1997-2010 by Fred Senese
Comments & questions to fsenese@frostburg.edu
Last Revised 02/23/18.URL: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/polymer/glossary.shtml