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What is polystyrene? The following processes result in a stronger polystyrene polymer. Explain why in each case. a. addition of catalyst to form syndiotactic polystyrene b. addition of 1,3 -butadiene and sulfur c. producing long chains of polystyrene d. addition of a catalyst to make linear polystyrene

Short Answer

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Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from the monomer styrene. Its strength can be increased through various processes: (a) The addition of a catalyst promotes the formation of syndiotactic polystyrene, which has a regular arrangement of side groups, resulting in stronger intermolecular forces; (b) The addition of 1,3-butadiene and sulfur introduces cross-links between polymer chains, enhancing mechanical properties; (c) Long chains of polystyrene result in stronger intermolecular forces due to extensive entanglements and interactions; and (d) A catalyst used to make linear polystyrene encourages unbranched polymer chains that promote improved intermolecular forces and increased strength.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from the monomer styrene. It is a lightweight, rigid plastic material with various applications due to its versatility and low cost. It is commonly used in packaging materials, insulation, and disposable products.
02

Effect of Catalyst for Syndiotactic Polystyrene

A catalyst is a substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change. In the case of polystyrene, the addition of a catalyst can increase the strength of the polymer by promoting the formation of syndiotactic polystyrene. Syndiotactic polystyrene has a regular arrangement of side groups, leading to more intermolecular forces, which results in a stronger and more crystalline material. This regular structure is desirable for certain applications where mechanical strength is important.
03

Effect of 1,3-butadiene and Sulfur Addition

The addition of 1,3-butadiene and sulfur to polystyrene results in the formation of a copolymer with enhanced mechanical properties. 1,3-butadiene helps to introduce cross-links between the polystyrene chains, while sulfur enhances the strength of these cross-links. By cross-linking the polymer chains, the material becomes more robust, leading to improved mechanical strength.
04

Effect of Long Chains of Polystyrene

Long chains of polystyrene have a higher molecular weight, leading to stronger intermolecular forces. The longer chains allow for more extensive entanglements and interactions between the polymer chains, resulting in a stronger and more rigid material. As the length of the polymer chain increases, the material's mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties improve, making long-chain polystyrene suitable for a wider range of applications.
05

Effect of Catalyst for Linear Polystyrene

The addition of a catalyst to make linear polystyrene promotes the formation of unbranched polymer chains. Branched polymers can cause entanglements and irregularities in the structure, reducing the material's overall strength. In contrast, linear polymers have a simpler structure with fewer entanglements, allowing for improved intermolecular forces and increased strength. Using a catalyst to promote the formation of linear polystyrene results in a stronger and more consistently structured material, suitable for applications requiring enhanced mechanical properties.

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