Synthetic polymers summary

Polymer

Monomer(s)

Polymerization

Special Conditions

Fiber or Plastic

Special Properties

Nylon

Adipic acid &
Hexamethylenediamine

Condensation OR
Addition

Heat, Catalyst (for Caprolactam)

Fiber

Strong, Elastic

Polyethylene (PE)

Ethene

Addition

Initiator (Radical)

Plastic

Flexible (LDPE), Rigid (HDPE)

Polypropylene (PP)

Propene

Addition

Initiator (Radical)

Fiber/Plastic

Strong, Chemically Resistant

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)

Vinyl chloride

Addition

Initiator (Radical)

Plastic

Rigid or Flexible

Polystyrene (PS)

Styrene

Addition

Initiator (Radical)

Plastic

Rigid, Brittle

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Ethylene glycol & Terephthalic acid

Condensation

Heat, Catalyst

Fiber/Plastic

Strong, Wrinkle-Resistant

Phenol Resin (Bakelite)

Phenol & Formaldehyde

Condensation

Acid or Base Catalyst, Heat

Plastic

Hard, Heat Resistant

Urea Resin

Urea & Formaldehyde

Condensation

Acid or Base Catalyst, Heat

Plastic

Adhesive, Rigid