polymer

What are polymers

Large molecules made of repeating structural units (monomers).

What are monomers

Small molecules that join to form polymers.

Process of polymer formation

Polymerization.

Two main types of polymerization

Addition and condensation.

Example of addition polymerization

Polyethylene from ethene.

Example of condensation polymerization

Nylon from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.

Natural polymer example

Starch, cellulose, proteins, rubber.

Synthetic polymer example

Nylon, polyester, Bakelite.

What is polyethylene

Polymer of ethene.

Formula of polyethylene

(–CH₂–CH₂–)ₙ.

Uses of polyethylene

Bags, bottles, pipes.

What is polypropylene

Polymer of propylene.

Uses of polypropylene

Ropes, toys, packaging.

What is polystyrene

Polymer of styrene (C₆H₅–CH=CH₂).

Uses of polystyrene

Disposable cups, packaging.

What is PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, polymer of vinyl chloride (CH₂=CHCl).

Uses of PVC

Pipes, floor tiles, raincoats.

What is teflon

Polymer of tetrafluoroethylene (CF₂=CF₂).

Uses of teflon

Non-stick cookware coating, insulation.

What is acrylonitrile polymer

Polyacrylonitrile (Orlon).

Uses of Orlon

Wool-like fibres for sweaters.

What is nylon-6,6 made from

Hexamethylenediamine + adipic acid.

Uses of nylon-6,6

Fibres, ropes, parachutes.

What is nylon-6 made from

Caprolactam.

Example of polyester

Terylene.

Uses of polyester

Fabrics, bottles.

What is Bakelite

Phenol + formaldehyde polymer.

Uses of Bakelite

Electrical switches, handles.

What is melamine-formaldehyde polymer used for

Crockery, kitchenware.

What is natural rubber made of

Polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene).

Structure of natural rubber

Cis-polyisoprene.

Disadvantage of natural rubber

Soft, sticky, non-durable.

Process to improve rubber properties

Vulcanization.

Who discovered vulcanization

Charles Goodyear (1839).

Vulcanization uses which element

Sulphur.

Vulcanized rubber property

Strong, elastic, heat resistant.

Synthetic rubber example

Buna-S, Buna-N, Neoprene.

What is Buna-S made from

Butadiene + styrene.

What is Buna-N made from

Butadiene + acrylonitrile.

What is Neoprene made from

Polymer of chloroprene.

Uses of Neoprene

Oil-resistant hoses, gaskets.

Uses of Buna-S

Tyres, footwear.

Uses of Buna-N

Oil-resistant products.

What are elastomers

Polymers with high elasticity (rubber).

What are thermoplastics

Soften on heating, harden on cooling.

Example of thermoplastic

PVC, polyethylene.

What are thermosetting plastics

Harden permanently on heating.

Example of thermosetting plastic

Bakelite, melamine.

What is biodegradable polymer

Polymer decomposed by microorganisms.

Example of biodegradable polymer

PHBV (polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate).

What is polyester-based biodegradable polymer

Polycaprolactone.

What is polylactic acid (PLA)

Biodegradable polymer from lactic acid.

Uses of PLA

Medical implants, packaging.

What are conducting polymers

Polymers with electrical conductivity.

Example of conducting polymer

Polyaniline, polyacetylene.

What are fibre-forming polymers

Polymers forming strong fibres.

Examples of fibre-forming polymers

Nylon, polyester, Kevlar.

What is Kevlar

Polymer of p-phenylenediamine + terephthaloyl chloride.

Uses of Kevlar

Bullet-proof jackets.

Which polymer is called artificial silk

Rayon.

Rayon prepared from

Regenerated cellulose.

Cellulose acetate is used in

Photographic films.

What is glyptal

Polymer of glycerol + phthalic acid.

Uses of glyptal

Paints, adhesives.

What are plasticizers

Substances added to polymers to increase flexibility.

Example of plasticizer

Dioctyl phthalate.

Which polymer is used in CDs and DVDs

Polycarbonate.

Polymer used for bullet-proof glass

Polycarbonate.

Polymer used in foam seats, mattresses

Polyurethane.

Polymer used in adhesives, coatings

Epoxy resin.