How are condensation polymers made?
Condensation polymers can be formed when a two functional groups on different molecules react and form a bond between them. When this happens, a molecule of water is formed. Polyamides One way in which this can happen is when a carboxylic acid and an amine are joined together to make an amide and a water molecule. When this happens, the OH from the carboxylic acid comes off and joins with a H which comes off of the amine to make a water molecules. The C is then joined directly to the N to make a new bond. Nylon is one of the earliest artificial polymers invented. It was developed in 1928 and first introduced in toothbrush bristles. Nylon stockings soon replaced silk stockings because they were much cheaper, but during World War II nylon was rationed because the military needed it to make parachutes, ropes, tents, and so on. There are two ways to make nylon. The first way uses only one monomer, with an amine group on one end and a carboxylic acid on the other. When these monomers are jo
