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Institute of Space Technology BS-5 (MS&E)

This document contains 6 multiple choice and short answer questions regarding polymers. It covers topics such as calculating number average molecular weight and stoichiometric ratios for polycondensation reactions, gel point calculations, ranking polymers by glass transition temperature, monomer functionality in different polymerization reactions, characteristics of elastomers, end group identification, and choosing monomers to optimize transparency or glass transition temperature in polyesters.

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Osama Aadil Saadi
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114 views3 pages

Institute of Space Technology BS-5 (MS&E)

This document contains 6 multiple choice and short answer questions regarding polymers. It covers topics such as calculating number average molecular weight and stoichiometric ratios for polycondensation reactions, gel point calculations, ranking polymers by glass transition temperature, monomer functionality in different polymerization reactions, characteristics of elastomers, end group identification, and choosing monomers to optimize transparency or glass transition temperature in polyesters.

Uploaded by

Osama Aadil Saadi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY

MSE 240 Polymers


BS-5 (MS&E)
OHT-1
Spring 2014 25 April, 14
Time Allowed: 1 Hr Max Marks: 50
Formula Sheet Not Allowed

Attempt all questions.

1. It is desired to prepare a polyester with Mn = 5000 by reacting 1 mol of a diol with 1 mol
of a diacid. Note that the average repeat unit in this mixture has a molecular weight of
100 g/mol. (5 x 2 = 10)

a. Calculate the value of p at which the reaction should be stopped to obtain M n =


5000 for this polymer, assuming perfect stoichiometric balance and neglecting end
group effects on Mn.
b. Now assume that 0.5 mol % of the diol is lost by dehydration, what would be the
value of Mn if the reaction were carried out to the same extent as in part (a)?

a. The various expressions we have developed in this section relating p to the size of the polymer
are all based on Xn. Accordingly; we note that the average reactant molecule in this mixture has
a molecular weight of 100 as calculated above. Therefore the desired polymer has a value of Xn
= 50.
Mo = 100 g/mol
Mn = Xn Mo
Xn = Mn / Mo = 5000 / 100 = 50
Using the following equation for the stoichiometric ratio, r = 1:
Xn = 1/1-p
p = 0.980
b. Component BB is the diacid in this case and NB = 1 mol;
Component AA is the diol in this case and it has lost 0.5 mol % so
NA = 1 - 0.5/100 = 0.995 mol;
Therefore
r = NA/NB= 0.995/1.00 = 0.995.
We use following equation and solve for Xn with p = 0.980 and r = 0.995:

and therefore Mn = Xn Mo = 44.5(100) = 4450 g mol–1


2. Can the following monomer mixture be reacted to complete conversion of the limiting
reactant without gelation? (10)

2 moles of Phthalic anhydride

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INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY

0.3 moles of Glycerol

0.6 moles of Pentaerythritol

Solution
Component Moles Functionality Equivalent
Phthalic anhydride 2 2 4
Glycerol 0.3 3 0.9
Pentaerythritol 0.6 4 2.4
Total 2.9 7.3
Total acid equivalents = 4.0 and Total OH equivalents = (0.9 + 2.4) = 3.3
Since OH is the limiting reactant so the average useful functionality in terms of limiting
reactant is:
fav = 2 x 3.3/2.9 = 2.2759
Therefore pc = 2/ fav = 2/2.759 = 0.88
Critical conversion of limiting reactant at gel point is 88% so complete conversion of OH
without gelation is not possible.

3. Consider the series of polymers and rank in the order of lowest to highest Tg. Justify your
ranking? [4]

4. a. What is the functionality of the following monomer in polymerization processes i-iv: (4)

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INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY
i. in a free radical or ionic addition reaction,
ii. in a reaction that produces amide linkages,
iii. in a reaction that produces ester linkages,
iv. in a reaction that produces urethane linkages.
(i) 4, (ii) 2, (iii) 1, (iv) 0.

b. List the two molecular characteristics that are essential for elastomers. (2)
Two molecular characteristics essential for elastomers are: (1) they must be amorphous,
having chains that are extensively coiled and kinked in the unstressed state; and (2) there must
be some crosslinking.
5. For the polymerization of equimolar mixture of a diamine and a diacid to form a nylon
with number average molecular weight 10,000 g/mol at 99% conversion (formula weight
of repeat unit = 113 g/mol). [10]
a. Calculate the feed ratio of two monomers. (5)
b. Identify the end groups of this product. (5)

• Formula weight of repeat unit = 226 g/mol


• Mo = average molecular weight of repeat unit = 226/2 = 113 g/mol
• Mn = Xn Mo
• Xn = Mn / Mo = 10,000/113 = 88.5

•
• r = 0.9974
• For COOH/NH2 = 0.9974, all end groups will be NH2
• For NH2/COOH = 0.9974, all end groups will be COOH
6. Two diols, ethylene glycol (HO-CH2-CH2-OH repeat units) and bisphenol-A (HO-Ph-
C(Me)2-Ph-OH repeat units) are commercially available at low cost. Which would you
choose for a polyester sample to generate: (5 x 2 = 10)
a. Transparency?
b. The highest possible glass transition temperature (Tg)?
This question relates to main chain mobility of different polyesters. Irrespective of the specific
monomers, the material will be linear and capable of some crystallinity. However, the rate of
crystallization at a given temperature will be affected by monomer structure. Ethylene glycol provides
a relatively flexible main chain in comparison to bisphenol-A. This will tend to improve the material’s
ability to crystallize. Choose bisphenol-A for better transparency.
The glass transition temperature is a function of main chain mobility. Significant barriers to rotation
about main-chain bonds facilitate the “freezing out” of chain movement. As a result, stiffer chains
produce polymers of higher Tg. Choose bisphenol-A in order to maximize Tg.

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