Zaymiey

🧪 Chemistry  ·  Polymers  ·  NEET & JEE

Vulcanisation increases the strength and elasticity of rubber by introducing:

Answer: Sulphur cross-links between chains.

  • A Ester linkages between chains
  • B Hydrogen bonds within a chain
  • C Amide linkages across chains
  • D Sulphur cross-links between chains

Correct answer: D. Sulphur cross-links between chains

Explanation: Heating rubber with sulphur forms sulphur cross-links (bridges) between the polyisoprene chains, making the rubber harder, stronger and more elastic.

Addition vs Condensation PolymerisationAddition (e.g. polythene)n (CH₂=CH₂)-[-CH₂-CH₂-]ₙ-No atoms lost - monomers just join at the double bondCondensation (e.g. Nylon-6,6)HOOC-R-COOH + H₂N-R'-NH₂-[-CO-R-CO-NH-R'-NH-]ₙ-+ n H₂OA small molecule (water here) is eliminated at EVERY linking step

Addition polymerisation simply links monomers containing a double bond with nothing left over, while condensation polymerisation joins two different monomers through a reaction (often forming an ester or amide bond) that releases a small molecule like water at each step.

Concept context

Large molecules made of repeating monomer units. Covers addition and condensation polymerisation, natural and synthetic polymers (nylon, PVC, Bakelite, natural rubber), and their real-world industrial applications.

Read the full Polymers notes →