JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA
MAHE
CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023-24
Chemistry of Polymers:
A Comparative Study of Cellulose and Polyethylene
JOYAL LIJU
XII
CERTIFICATE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
This is to certify that the chemistry project titled ‘ Chemistry of
Polymers: A comparative study of Cellulose and Polyethylene’
has been successfully completed by Joyal Liju of class XII in
partial fulfillment of curriculum of CENTRAL BOARD OF
SECONDARY EDUCATION (CBSE) leading to award of annual
examination of the year 2023-24
Signature of Guide:
Signature of Principal:
Signature of External Examiner:
Place: Mahe Date:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I express my deep sense of gratitude to JNV Mahe, which
provides me an opportunity in fulfilling my most cherished
desire to reach my goal. I wholeheartedly express my gratitude
to our beloved principal [Link] K O who is
responsible for creating such a pleasant environment and
appreciating our talents in both academic and extracurricular
activities. I would like to express my thanks to the beloved guide
at the school [Link] CN, PGT Chemistry for her valuable
help and guidance in the successful completion of this project.
I would like to express my deep sense of obligations and
reverence to my parents. They motivated me with their moral
support and encouragement throughout my career. Also, I would
like to thank all of them who have worked for me without my
knowledge.
INTRODUCTION
Polymers are ubiquitous in our daily lives, yet their presence
often goes unnoticed. These remarkable macromolecules are the
unsung heroes behind the materials and products that surround
us. From the plastics that package our food to the fabrics in our
clothing, from the tires on our vehicles to the DNA in our cells,
polymers are integral to our world.
The term "polymer" is derived from the Greek words "poly"
meaning many, and "meros," meaning parts or units. Essentially,
polymers are giant molecules made up of repeating smaller units,
called monomers, linked together in a chain-like fashion. The
beauty of polymers lies in their versatility and adaptability. With
just a few tweaks to their chemical structure, polymers can
exhibit a wide range of properties, making them suitable for a
myriad of applications.
Experiment Title:
Oxidation of Cellulose and Polyethylene
with Potassium Permanganate
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this experiment is to demonstrate and
compare the contrasting oxidation behavior of
cellulose and polyethylene when exposed to an
oxidizing agent, potassium permanganate (KMnO4).
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
➔ Samples of cellulose (paper)
➔ Samples of polyethylene (plastic bags)
➔ Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution
➔ Distilled water
➔ Beakers or test tubes
➔ Droppers or pipettes
➔ Gloves and safety goggles
PROCEDURE
Preparation:
1. Cut small pieces of both cellulose (paper) and polyethylene
(plastic bags). Ensure the samples are of a similar size and
shape.
2. Label two separate beakers or test tubes as "Cellulose" and
"Polyethylene."
Oxidation Experiment:
1. Add a small piece of cellulose into the "Cellulose" container
and a piece of polyethylene into the "Polyethylene"
container.
2. Using a dropper or pipette, carefully add a small amount of
potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution to each
container. Ensure that you use the same volume of the
solution for both cellulose and polyethylene.
3. Observe and record the reactions in each container. You
should notice a difference in the appearance of the
materials and the color changes in the solution. Potassium
permanganate is a purple solution that will undergo a
chemical change during the experiment.
OBSERVATIONS & RESULTS
Cellulose:
You should observe a change in the color of the
potassium permanganate solution from purple to
colorless or very pale pink. This indicates that cellulose
has undergone oxidation and reduced the purple KMnO4
to colorless Mn(II) ions.
Polyethylene:
In the case of polyethylene, you should observe no
significant change in the color of the potassium
permanganate solution. Polyethylene is relatively inert
and does not readily undergo oxidation under these
conditions.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
Cellulose's Structure: Cellulose is a natural polymer composed of
glucose units linked together by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. Glucose
molecules are arranged in a linear fashion, forming long chains.
These chains are held together by hydrogen bonds, creating a
highly organized and crystalline structure. This arrangement
provides cellulose with its strength and rigidity.
Polyethylene's Structure: Polyethylene, on the other hand, is a
synthetic polymer with a much simpler structure. It consists of a
long chain of repeating ethylene units (-CH2-CH2-). These units
are connected by single covalent bonds. The lack of side groups
and the regularity of the ethylene repeating unit make
polyethylene a relatively linear and nonpolar polymer.
CELLULOSE
Cellulose is abundantly found in nature and is a fundamental
component of plant cell walls. Natural sources of cellulose
include wood from trees, cotton fibers, hemp, and other plant
materials. Cellulose is extracted from these sources through
processes like pulping.
Cellulose is biodegradable, as it can be broken down by
microorganisms in the environment. This property makes it
environmentally friendly and suitable for applications where
biodegradability is essential.
Cellulose is durable to a certain extent but is more susceptible to
damage from moisture and biological agents. Its durability is
suitable for uses in which a balance between strength and
biodegradability is required.
Cellulose is commonly used in the production of paper,
cardboard, textiles, and cellulose derivatives like cellulose
acetate. It also finds applications in industries such as food and
pharmaceuticals.
POLYETHYLENE
Production of Polyethylene: Polyethylene is produced
synthetically from ethylene gas (C2H4) through a process called
polymerization. In this process, ethylene monomers are
polymerized to form long chains of polyethylene. Various
catalysts and reaction conditions are used to control the
polymerization and produce polyethylene with different
properties. The synthetic production allows for the
customization of polyethylene for diverse applications.
Polyethylene is non-biodegradable. It is resistant to microbial
degradation and can persist in the environment for an extended
period, contributing to issues related to plastic pollution.
Polyethylene is highly durable and resistant to moisture and
many chemicals. It does not readily degrade under
environmental conditions, making it ideal for long-lasting
applications like plastic packaging and containers.
Polyethylene is widely used in packaging materials, including
plastic bags and containers. It is also used in the production of
pipes, bottles, toys, and a broad range of consumer products.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
▶ United Nations Environment Programme. (2018). "Single-Use
Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability."
▶ Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). "Understanding
Biodegradable Plastics”.
▶ Wikipedia