Polymers

M2U3

Polymers

Giant molecules that are made up by the linkage of simpler molecules by polymerization reaction.

Monomer

Simpler molecules that join together to form polymers

Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Glucose

3 most well-known natural polymers

Cellulose Nitrate

First commercially successful synthetic polymer

Cellulose Acetate

Replaced cellulose nitrate since it causes inflammable incidents

John Wesley Hyatt

The one who discovered that pyroxylin + camphor = thermoplastic could be molded when heated

Casein-formaldehyde plastics

made using formaldehyde and casein obtained from milk.

Phenol-formaldehyde resins

Heating this under pressure gave soft solids which could be molded and then hardened.

Leo Baeckeland

developed Bakelite while searching for a substitute for varnish shellac.

Natural Polymer, Synthetic Polymer

Classification of polymers based on origin

Natural Polymers

Polymers that occur naturally and are found in plants and animals.

Proteins, Starch, Cellulose, Rubber

Examples of natural polymers

Synthetic Polymers

Man-made polymersP

Plastic

Most common and widely used synthetic polymer

Homopolymer, Copolymer

Classification of polymers based on chemical structure

Homopolymer

Polymer which consists of one type of monomer

Copolymer

Polymer which is derived from more than one type of monomer

Linear Polymer, Branched-chain Polymer, Cross-linked Polymer

Classification of polymers based on polymeric structure

Linear Polymer

Structure of polymers containing long and straight chains

Poly-vinyl chloride

Largely used for making pipes and electric cables, example of a linear polymer

Branched-chain Polymer

Linear chains of a polymer form branches

Low-Density Polyethylene

Example of a branched-chain polymer

Cross-linked Polymer

Composed of bifunctional and trifunctional monomers. Have stronger covalent bonds compared to other linear polymers

Bakelite, melamine

Examples of a cross-linked polymer

Block Polymer, Graft Polymer

Classification of polymers based on the arrangement of monomers

Block Polymer

Consists of relatively long sequences of identical monomers

Graft Polymer

Branched polymer whose backbone is formed from one type of monomer and branches are formed from another type of monomer.

Isotactic Polymer, Syndiotactic Polymer, Atactic Polymer

Classification of polymers based on tacticity

Isotactic Polymer

Side groups of the polymer lie on the same side of the chain

Syndiotactic Polymer

Side groups of the polymer are arranged in an alternating manner.

Atactic Polymer

Side groups are arranged in an irregular or random manner around the main chain.

Thermoplastics, Thermosets

Classification of polymers based on thermal behavior

Thermoplastics

Polymers which are easily softened upon heating

Acrylic, PVC, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Teflon

Examples of thermoplastics

Thermosets

Polymers which change irreversibly into hard and rigid materials on heating and cannot be reshaped.

Melamine Formaldehyde, Bakelite, Epoxy Resin

Examples of thermosets

Elastomers, Fibers

Classification of polymers based on molecular forces

Elastomers

Polymers which are easily stretched by applying small stress.

Rubber

Example of elastomers

Fibers

Polymers which have strong intermolecular forces between the polymer chain

Wood, Cashmere, Cotton, Rayon, Polyester, Nylon

Examples of fibers

Addition Polymer, Condensation Polymer

Classification of polymers based on modes of synthesis

Addition Polymer

These polymers are formed when the same monomers are added. (alkenes)

Condensation Polymer

These polymers are formed when 2 monomers react with the elimination of smaller molecules.

Cellulose

Made up of long strands of glucose

Polysaccharide

Term also used for long strands of glucose

Cellulose

Abundant in plants which gives them their sturdy structure.

Starch

Made up of glucose monomer units.
Made by plants to store their energy

Amylose, Amylopectin

Combination to create starch

Rubber

Polymer that is obtained as a milky white fluid known as latex from a tropical rubber tree

Isoprene

Monomer unit of rubber

DNA

Polymer made up of monomer units called nucleotides

Thymine, Guanine, Adenine, Cytosine

4 nucleotides from our DNA

Genes

section of the DNA that codes for a protein

Proteins

Polymers made up of amino acids bonded together to create a long chainS

Silk

kind of protein produces by silkworms to make their cocoon.L

Lignin

Polymer found in trees, together with cellulose, making them rigid.

Chitin

Composes the exoskeleton of crustaceans

Polyethylene Terephthalate, High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Polycarbonate

7 common plastics

Polyethylene Terephthalate

Used in containers of beverages

High-Density Polyethylene

Used in detergent bottles, household cleaners for bottles

Low-Density Polyethylene

Used in plastic bags, packaging for computer hardware, plastic wrapsP

Polypropylene

Used in food containers

Polystyrene

Used in styro cups, styrofoam

Polyvinyl Acetate

Used in regular glue

Ethylcyanoacrylic

Used in superglue

Polyactic Acid

Used to make biodegradable plastic

Ethylene Glycol, Phthalic Acid

Monomers of Glyptal

Addition Polymerization

Process of repeated addition of monomers that possess double or triple bonds to form polymers.

Condensation Polymerization

Process that involves repeated condensation reactions between two different bifunction or trifunctional monomers.

Copolymerization

Two different monomers are joined to form a polymer.

Polypropylene

- Textiles
- Packaging
- Stationery
- Plastic
- Aircraft
- Construction
- Rope
- Toys

Polystyrene

- Packaging
- Bottles
- Toys
- Disposable glasses and plates
- Insulators

Polyvinyl Chloride

- Sewage Pipes
- Insulator in electric cables
- Clothing and Furniture
- Vinyl flooring
- Doors and windows

Urea-formaldehyde resins

- Adhesives
- Molds
- Laminated Sheets
- Unbreakable containers

Glyptal

- Paints
- Coatings
- Lacquers
- Fabric

Bakelite

- Electrical Switches
- Kitchen Products
- Toys
- Jewelry
- Firearms
- Insulators
- Computer Discs

Phenol, Aldehyde

Monomers of Bakelite

Rubber

- Tires
- Elastic Materials

BUNA-S, BUNA-N

- Synthetic Rubber

Teflon

- Non-stick cookware
- Plastics

Tetra Fluoro Ethane

Monomer of Teflon

Melamine Formaldehyde Resin

- Ceramic Plastic Material

Nylon-6

- Fabric

Caprolactam

Monomer of Nylon-6