Question
Chemistry Question on Polymers
Which one of the following is a chain growth polymer ?
A
Starch
B
Nucleic acid
C
Polystyrene
D
Protein
Answer
Polystyrene
Explanation
Solution
Chain growth polymerisation requires an initiator (such as organic peroxides) to produce a free radical to which the monomers are added in a chain fashion. Initiators are added in a very small quantities and are decomposed by heat, light or oxidation-reduction reaction to produce reactive species, e.g. free radical. Polystyrene is an example of chain growth polymer because in it styrene molecules are associated in the form of monomer