Question

Distinguish between the terms homopolymer and copolymer and give an example of each.

Answer 1

The Classification homopolymer and copolymer is based on the number of different types of monomer units present in a polymer. In other words homopolymer and copolymer differ whether only one type of monomer unit is present or more than one type of monomer units are present.

Complete step by step answer:
There are different ways in which polymers are classified. One classification is based on the number of different types of monomer units present in a polymer. On this basis, the polymers can be classified into homopolymer and copolymer.

Homopolymer	Copolymer
Homopolymer is made from only one type of monomer unit. In the repeating structural unit of a homopolymer, only one type of monomer unit is present.	On the other hand, copolymer is made from two (or more) types of monomer units. In the repeating structural unit of a copolymer, two (or more) types of monomer unit are present.
Polythene, Teflon, PAN and nylon-6 are some examples of homopolymers. Thus, polythene is made from only one type of monomer unit which is ethylene.	Buna-S, Buna-N, polyester, Bakelite and nylon-6,6 are some examples of copolymers. Thus, buna-S is made from two types of monomer units which are styrene and 1,3-butadiene.
The structure of polythene and its monomer are as shown below:	The structure of buna S and its monomers are as shown below:
The reaction for the preparation of polythene is as shown below:	The reaction for the preparation of buna-S is as shown below:

Note:
Homopolymer is usually an additional polymer whereas copolymer is usually a condensation polymer.