Duhok Polytechnic University

Duhok Technical College of Engineering

Dept: Petrochemical Engineering

Exp. (4) Condensation Polymers

𝟒𝒕𝒉 Year
By
Dr. Farhad & Mr. Mohammed

Email: Mohammed.babaker@uoz.edu.krd
 Condensation Polymers
Step Growth or Condensation polymers are
formed by reaction between molecules with two
or more functional groups (such as glycols,
diamines, and dicarboxylic acids), with each new
bond created in a separate step. This method gives
long chains joined by many ester or amide links
along with the elimination of some small molecule
such as water, ammonia, or hydrogen chloride.
Examples include Nylon (a polyamide), Dacron (a
polyester), Bakelite, and polyurethane foams.
Theory
Bakelite is the oldest totally synthetic polymer
invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907. Phenol and
formaldehyde react, in the presence of acid or
base, to form a three-dimensional polymer --
Bakelite -- suitable for making many molded
articles. The reaction sequence for the acid
catalyzed reaction is:
Theory
Under carefully controlled conditions, o- or p-
hydroxybenzyl alcohol may actually be isolate.
The next step involves protonation of the
alcohol, formation of a benzyl cation, and an
electrophilic aromatic substitution:
 Procedure
a) In a fume hood, place 1.2 g of phenol, 3.5 mL of glacial
acetic acid, and 1.5 mL of 37- 40% aqueous formaldehyde
solution in a test tube.
b) Warm the tube slightly, with shaking, to melt the
phenol and obtain a homogeneous solution.
c) Cool the test tube in an ice bath and then place the test
tube in the fume hood. Add 3.5 mL of conc. HCl to the test
tube while still in the fume hood. Shake until you see the
solid polymer starting to form and set aside to finish.
d) Cool the tube, then dislodge and examine the polymer.
e) Describe the polymer (colour, clear/opaque,
stiff/flexible, brittle, solid/pellets/powder, etc.).