Key Concepts of Polymers and Their Applications

Polyester

Not an addition polymer.

Dialcohol and dicarboxylic acid

Types of monomers that produce a polyester when reacted together.

HOOC—NH2

A compound that could be a monomer for a condensation polymer.

Condensation

Type of reactions that form polyesters.

Polyester

The segment of a polymer shown represents a polyester.

Addition and condensation polymers

Addition polymers contain all of the atoms of the original monomers, but condensation polymers do not.

Bisphenol A

This compound, once added to polycarbonate bottles, was controversial due to reproductive effects.

Silicones

Contain the pattern of atoms -Si—O—Si—O— in a chain.

Graphite

Fibers used in a polymer matrix for skis, golf club shafts, and other sports equipment.

Polyurethane

Material used to make stretchy Lycra / Spandex bathing suits and athletic wear.

Polycarbonate

Material used to make Nalgene bottles, astronaut helmets, and eyewear.

Polycarbonate

Layers of glass and this polymer are used to make bulletproof glass.

Water-soluble polymers (PVA, polyvinyl alcohol)

Used in some fishing bait, laundry pods, and eye drops.

Monomers

The individual molecules from which polymers are made.

Polystyrene

Addition polymer that contains benzene rings (aromatics).

Vulcanization

Improves elasticity by forming sulfur atom crosslinks in rubber.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Commonly used for one-gallon milk containers.

Plasticizers

Molecules that keep polymers flexible.

Phthalate esters

Compounds currently used as plasticizers.

PVC in plumbing

Major advantage includes lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and easier handling.

Double bond

Found in all monomers used to make common addition polymers.

Teflon

Addition polymer that contains fluorine atoms.

Cis

Natural rubber is poly-cis-isoprene.

Polyethylene

The most commonly made plastic.

Chlorine atoms

Monomers in PVC piping contain these.

Polystyrene

Plastic used in 'throw-away' drinking cups and utensils.

Nonstick cookware

Teflon is used for this purpose.

Petroleum

The source of starting materials for synthetic polymers.

Latex

Some people develop allergies to this material.

Copolymer

An example is rubber in tires.

Celluloid

Material used to make billiard balls and movie film.

Bakelite

The first true synthetic plastic.

Vinyl chloride

Monomer burned off in the East Palestine train derailment (2023).

Tetrafluoroethylene

Polymer useful in uranium enrichment (Manhattan Project).

Vinyl chloride

Compound associated with liver angiosarcomas in workers.

Styrofoam picnic coolers

Made of Polystyrene.

Vinyl upholstery

Made of PVC.

Bouncy rubber balls

Made of Poly-cis-isoprene.

Nonstick frying pans

Made of Teflon.

Gallon milk containers, grocery bags

Made of HDPE.

Plumbing pipes

Made of PVC.

2-liter soda bottles

Made of PETE.

Plastic laundry bags

Made of LDPE.

Vintage golf balls ('gutties')

Made of Poly-trans-isoprene.

Used in Manhattan Project

Teflon.