Question

Polystyrene, addition polymerization, styrene monomer.

Describe how its structure impacts its function in terms of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces (ex. you are looking deeply at how the properties of the molecule are the result of the intermolecular and intramolecular forces present);

Answer 1

In chemical structure of polystyrene, you'll see that it is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms only. Thus, it is classified as a hydrocarbon. Now, if you observe the bonds in its chemical structure, you'll see that the carbon atoms are linked to one another by covalent bonds. Every alternate carbon atom on the polystyrene chain has a phenyl group (name given to benzene ring) attached to it. It is a long-chain hydrocarbon, and its chemical formula is C8H8)n

The physical properties of polystyrene are due to the presence of weak van der Waals forces between the chains of polymer. On heating, the forces weaken further, and the chains slide past one another. This is the reason polystyrene is highly elastic and softens when heated beyond its glass transition temperature

Crystal forms of the polymer polystyrene have low impact strength. Polystyrene polymers get degraded on exposure to sunlight, due to photo oxidation, which affects its mechanical properties

. Polystyrene is a rigid, transparent thermoplastic, which is present in solid or glassy state at normal temperature. But, when heated above its glass transition temperature, it turns into liquid form that flows and can be easily used for molding and extrusion. It becomes solid again when it cools off.

It dissolves in some organic solvents. It is soluble in solvents that contain acetone, such as most aerosol paint sprays and cyanoacrylate glues.

The transformation of carbon-carbon double bonds into less reactive single bonds in polystyrene, is the main reason for its chemical stability. Most of the chemical properties of polystyrene are as a result of the unique properties of carbon.