Question

Non-stick cookware is coated with Teflon and unbreakable crockery is made up of melamine-formaldehyde resin. The correct classification of these polymers respectively is

• A. Addition copolymer ; Condensation homopolymer
• B. Addition homopolymer ; Condensation copolymer
• C. Condensation homopolymer ; Addition copolymer
• D. Condensation copolymer ; Addition homopolymer

Hint:

Teflon, polyethylene and PVC are classic examples of addition homopolymers. Melamine-formaldehyde and Bakelite are common condensation copolymers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Learn the labels.
A polymer can be an addition type (monomers just join, nothing is lost) or a condensation type (a small molecule like water is removed while joining). It can also be a homopolymer (one kind of monomer) or a copolymer (two or more kinds).

Step 2: Look at Teflon.
Teflon forms when many tetrafluoroethene units add together, with nothing thrown off. So it is an addition polymer.

Step 3: Count the monomers of Teflon.
Teflon is made from only one monomer, tetrafluoroethene. So it is a homopolymer.
Hence Teflon is an addition homopolymer.

Step 4: Look at melamine-formaldehyde resin.
This forms when melamine reacts with formaldehyde and water is given off. So it is a condensation polymer.

Step 5: Count the monomers of melamine resin.
It uses two different monomers, melamine and formaldehyde. So it is a copolymer.
Hence it is a condensation copolymer.

Step 6: Put the pair in order.
Teflon first, then melamine resin: addition homopolymer ; condensation copolymer.

Step 7: State the final answer.
The correct classification is:
\[ \boxed{\text{Addition homopolymer ; Condensation copolymer}} \]