Condensation polymers are polymers formed by condensation polymerization reactions. Examples include polyamides like nylon-66, which is formed from the condensation reaction of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, forming amide bonds. Polyesters like polyethylene terephthalate (PET or Dacron) are also condensation polymers, formed from the condensation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Bakelite is another condensation polymer, produced from the reaction of phenol and formaldehyde with an acid or base catalyst. Thermoplastics can be reshaped upon heating while thermosetting polymers set permanently after heating. Both types have environmental impacts as synthetic polymers are often non-bi

1. condensation polymers
Surafel Amare
&
Thomas G/medihin

2. Condensation polymers
• A polymer made by the condensation polymerization is called
condensation polymer.

3. Polyamide (nylon-66)
• They can be produced by the condensation reaction of diacids
and diamines. It is a copolymer and is prepared by the
condensation of 1,6-diaminohexane (hexamethylene diamine)
and 1,6-hexanedioic acid (adipic acid). The basic amine reacts
with the acid to form a salt. Heating removes water and forms
the amide bonds.
• There are hydrogen bonding between the polymer chains.

4. • There are hydrogen bonding between the
polymer chains.

5. Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate
or dacron)
• Polyesters are another major polymeric fibre group. Dacron is
a copolymer and is formed when equimolar amounts of 1, 4-
benzene dicarboxylic acid (terephthalic acid) and 1, 2-
ethanediol (ethylene glycol) react.
• Dacron is a strong and impact resistant. It is colourless and
has high transparency.

7. Bakelite
• The monomers of Bakelite are phenol and formaldehyde. The
reaction between phenol and formaldehyde is not a simple
reaction. The reaction takes place in the presence of an acid or
a base as a catalyst.

8. Thermoplastics and thermosetting
polymers
• A thermoplastic is a plastic material that softens when melted
and gets solidified when undergoes cooling. These types of
plastics can be reshaped or remoulded numerous times.
Thermoplastic substances can be recycled or reused. Examples
are: Polyester, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Teflon, Acrylic, etc.
are thermoplastic.
• Thermosetting plastics can be moulded into different shapes
by heating and they become hard when cooled. However,
once solidified and set they cannot be softened or remoulded
by heating. For example, Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic.

10. Impacts of synthetic polymers
• The non-biodegradable nature of synthetic polymers makes
them a permanent waste.
• Synthetic polymers mainly obtained from petroleum are a
major environmental concern.
• Many of the toxic chemicals released in plastic production can
cause cancer and birth defects and damage the nervous
system, blood, kidneys and immune systems. These chemicals
can also cause serious damage to environment.
• One of the features that we value in plastics, their durability,
is also a problem for us.