OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry

33
Notes
POLYMERS

In the previous lesson you have studied about petrochemicals, and their importance. You
also studied about the uses of petrochemicals. In this lesson we continue with a detailed
study of another vast area i.e. polymers. Today polymers have influenced our life style to
the extent that it would not be wrong to say that we are in polymer age. Now-a-days
polymers find wide range of uses starting from common household utensils, automobiles,
clothes, furniture, etc., to space-aircraft and biomedical and surgical components.
Polymeric materials are light weight but can possess excellent mechanical properties and
can be easily processed by different methods. In this lesson you would learn more about
polymers, their types and some important-synthetic and natural polymers. In the next
lesson you would learn about the colouring materials like dyes, paints and pigments.

Objectives
After reading this lesson, you will be able to :
 define the terms like monomers, polymer, homopolymer, copolymer and
polymerization;
 classify polymers on the basis of their source, molecular forces and method of
preparation;
 list the monomers of the polymers like natural and synthetic rubber;
 list the monomer of the polymer like polythene, polystyrene, Buna- S, PMMA, PVC,
teflon, polyester, Nylon 66 and Nylon 6;
 define biodegradable polymers and
 cite examples of some biopolymers.

33.1 What are Polymers

A Polymer is a giant molecule formed by inter molecular linkage between same or different
types of smaller molecules called monomers. If a large number of monomers (A) are
linked together then the polymer is represented as (–A n–) – (– A – A – A – A – A) is a
n
polymer of the monomer of (A). For example, polyethene

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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
–(– CH2 – CH2) is a polymer of the monomer ethylene (CH2 = CH2). Chemistry and Industry
n
Polymer is a high molecular mass molecule formed by linking up of two or more small
molecules called monomers.
Monomers are the small molecule which are capable of linking amongst themselves to
form big molecules called polymers.
In some polymers more than one type of monomers combine with each other to give the
polymer. For example, a polymer may be obtained from two monomers (A) and (B) viz, Notes
–A– B –A– B – or –(–A – B –)–n

33.1.1 Types of Polymers

Depending upon the nature of the repeating structural units (monomers), polymers are
divided into two broad categories viz., homopolymers and copolymers

(a) Homopolymer

A polymer formed from only one kind of monomers is called homopolymer. Polyethene
–(– CH2 – CH2 –)–n is an example of homopolymer.

(b) Copolymer

A polymer formed from more than one kind of monomer units is called copolymer or
mixed polymer. For example, Buna-S rubber which is formed from 1, 3-butadiene
(CH2 = CH – CH = CH2) and styrene (C6 H5 CH = CH2) is an example of copolymer.

33.2 Polymerization
The process by which the monomers get linked up is called polymerization.
Polymerization is represented as :
M M*
M+M M M M M M M (M) n M
D im mer Trimer Polymer

where M stands for the monomer

33.2.1 Types of Polymerization

Depending upon the mode of reaction, polymerisation is classified as :

(a) addition polymerization and

(b) condensation polymerization.

(a) Addition Polymerization : This process involves the addition of monomer units to
themselves to form a growing chain by a chain reaction mechanism. It is for this reason
that the process is also known as chain growth polymerization.

Addition polymerization is achieved by adding a catalyst (known as initiator), which

provides some reactive species like free radicals.
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OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry For example benzoyl peroxide provides free radical ‘benzyl’ to initiate the chain
polymerization reaction.

H 5 C6  C  O  O  C  C6 H 5   2C6 H 5  2CO 2
|| || 
O O (or R)

 
Notes Initiation R  CH 2  CH 2   R  CH 2  C H 2
(Monomer)

These free radicals (R ) then attack the unsaturated monomer and form a new free radical
which goes on successively adding monomers and thus grows the chain, this is called
Chain propagation :
 
R – CH2 – CH2 + CH2 = CH2 R – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2

or M –
The final termination of the two growing chains leads to a polymer. This is called chain
termination :

Condensation Polymerization : In this, the monomers combine with the elimination of

a small molecule like H2O, ROH or NH3, etc. The reaction is called (step growth)
condensation polymerization and the product formed is called condensation polymer.
The process involves the elimination of by product molecules, therefore, the molecular
mass of the polymer is not the integral multiple of the monomer units.
For example polyester or Terylene is a condensation polymer of ethylene glycol and
terphthallic acid.

HO – CH2 – CH2 – OH + HOOC – – COOH

Ethelene glycol terphthallicacid

–H2O
O

O – CH2 – CH2 – OOC – C–

n
Poly (ethylene terphthalate) or (Terylene)

These two processes of making polymers have several characteristics which distinguish
them from each other. These are shown in (Table 33.1).
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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
Table 33.1 : Some differences between addition polymerization and Chemistry and Industry
condensation polymerization

Addition Polymerization Condensation polymerization

(Polycondensation)
1. Involves unsaturated 1. Involves substances with at
monomere like ethylene, vinyl least 2 functional groups like
chloride, styrene etc. ethylene glycol (2-OH groups),
adipic acid (2-COOH groups).
Notes
2. Fast addition of monomers. 2. Step-wise slow addition.
3. At any instant, only monomer 3. No monomer. Mixtures of
and polymers are present. dimers, trimers and tetramers
etc. are present
4. Initiator is necessary to 4. Catalyst is not necessary.
catalyse the polymerization.
5. No small molecules are eliminated. 5. Small molecules like H2O,
HCl, CO2, CH3OH are often
eliminated.
6. Polymers made are, for 6. Polymer made are, for
example, polyethene, example , terylene, nylon,
polypropylene, polybutadiene, Formaldehyde-resins, silicones.
polyvinylchloride.

Intext Questions 33.1

1. Define the terms :
(i) Polymer (ii) Monomer
..............................................................................................................................................

2. Write one example of each of :

(i) Addition polymerization (ii) Condensation polymerization.
..............................................................................................................................................

3. Differentiate between homopolymers and copolymers.

..............................................................................................................................................

4. Write monomers of Terylene and Nylon-66.

..............................................................................................................................................

33.3 Classification of Polymers

The polymers can be classified in a number of ways. Some of these are discussed below
for a systematic investigation of their properties and uses.

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OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry (a) Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Origin.

On the basis of origin, polymers are classified as :
1. Natural polymers
2. Synthetic polymers
1. Natural Polymers : The polymers obtained from nature (plants and animals) are
called natural polymers. Starch, cellulose, natural rubber, proteins, etc. are some
examples.
Notes 2. Synthetic Polymers : The polymers which are prepared in the laboratories are called
synthetic polymers. These are also called man-made polymers. Polyethene, PVC,
nylon, Teflon, bakelite, terylene, synthetic rubber, etc. are common examples.
(b) Classification of Polymers on the Basis of structure
On the basis of structure of polymers, these can be classified as :
1. Linear polymers
2. Branched chain polymers
3. Cross-linked polymers.
1. Linear polymers : These are polymers in which monomeric units are linked together
to form linear chains. These linear polymers are well packed (Fig. 33.1) and therefore,
have high densities, high tensile (pulling) strength and high melting points. For
example, polyethelene, nylons and polyesters are examples of linear polymers.
2. Branched chain polymers : These are polymers in which the monomers are joined
to form long chain with side chains or branches of different lengths [Fig. 33.2]. These
branched chains polymers are irregularly packed and therefore, they have lower tensile
strength and melting points than linear polymers. For example, low density polyethene,
glycogen, starch, etc.
3. Cross-linked polymers : These are polymers in which long polymer chains are cross-
linked together to from a three dimensional network. These polymers are hard, rigid
and brittle because of the network structure. (Fig. 33.3) bakelite, melamine and
formaldehyde resin are some examples of this type.

Fig. 33.1 : Linear Polymers Fig 33.2 : Branched chain polymers

Fig. 33.3 : Cross linked polymers

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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
(c) Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Method of Polymerisation Chemistry and Industry
On the basis of method of polymerisation the polymers are classified as :
1. Addition polymer : A polymer formed by direct addition of repeated monomers
without the elimination of any small molecule is called addition polymer. In this
type, the monomers are unsaturated compounds and are generally derivatives of ethene.
The addition polymers have the same empirical formula as their monomers. Examples
are polyethene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, etc.
Notes
2. Condensation polymer : A polymer formed by the condensation of two or more
than two monomers with the elimination of simple molecules like water, ammonia,
hydrogen chloride, alcohol, etc. is called condensation polymer. In this type, each
monomer generally contains two functional groups. For example, nylon – 66 is
obtained by the condensation of two monomers; hexa methylenediamine and adipic
acid with the loss of water molecules.
 nHO
n H2N – (CH2 )6 – NH2 + nHOOC – (CH2) 4 – COOH –    2 

O
– (NH – (CH2)6 – NH – C – (CH2)4 – C – O –)–
n
nylon - 66
In this polymerization reaction – NH2 group of hexamethylenediamine reacts with – COOH
group of adipic acid forming – NH –CO – linkage with the elimination of H 2O.

H O H O
H O
– N – H + HO – C –   2  –N–C–
linkage

Examples of condensation polymers are Nylon 66, terylene, bakelite, alkylresins, etc.
(d) Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Molecular Forces
Depending upon the intermolecular forces between monomer molecules, the polymers
have been classified into four types.
1. Elastomers 2. Fibers 3. Thermoplastics 4. Thermosetting
1. Elastomers : In case of elastomers the polymer chains are held together by weak
van der waals forces. Due to weak forces, the polymers can be easily stretched on
applying small stress and they regain their original shape when the stress is removed.
This is due to the presence of few- ‘cross links’ between the chains, which help the
polymer to retract to its original position after the force is removed, as in vulcanized
rubber.
The most important example of elastomer is natural rubber.
2. Fibres : These are the polymers which have strong intermolecular forces between
the chains. These forces are either hydrogen bonds or dipole-dipole interactions.
Because of the strong forces, the chains are closely packed, giving them high tensile
strength and less elasticity. These polymers can be drawn into long, thin and thread
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OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry like fibres and therefore can be woven into fabrics. The common examples are nylon-
66, dacron, silk, etc.
3. Thermoplastics : These are linear polymers with very few cross linkages or no cross
linkages at all. The polymeric chains are held by weak VANDER WAAL forces and
slide over one another. Due to lack of cross linkages these polymers soften on heating
and harden or become rigid on cooling. Thus they can be moulded to any shape.
Polythene, PVC, polystyrene are addition type thermoplastics and Terylene, nylon
are condensation type thermoplastics.
Notes
Plasticizers : Certain plastics do not soften much on heating. These can be easily
softened by the addition of some organic compounds which are called plasticizers.
For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is very stiff and hard but is made soft by
adding di-n-butylphthalate (a plasticizer). Some other common plasticizers are dialkyl
phthalates and cresyl phthalate.
4. Thermosetting polymers : Usually thermosetting polymer can be heated only once
when it permanently sets into a solid which can not be remelted and remoulded.
Thermosetting polymers are produced from relatively low molecular mass semi fluid
polymers (called polymers) which on heating develop extensive cross-linking by
themselves or by adding some cross-linking agents and become infusible and insoluble
hard mass. The cross links hold the molecules in place so that heating does not allow
them to move freely. Therefore, a thermosetting plastic is cross linked and is
permanently rigid. The common example are bakelite, melamine, formaldehyde resin,
etc.
Some important differences in the properties of thermosetting and thermoplastic
polymers are summerized in Table 32.2.
Table 33.2 : Distinction between Thermoplastic and Thermosetting polymers
Themoplastic Thermosetting polymers
1. Linear Polymers. 1. Cross-linked polymers.
2. Weak van der Waals 2. Chemical cross-linking make
intermolecular forces and them infusible materials.
thus soften/melt on heating. Do not melt on heating.
3. Molten polymer can be 3. Cross-linking is usually
moulded in desired shape. developed at the time of
It can be remoulded by moulding where they
heating again. harden irreversibly.
4. Examples are polystyrene, 4. Examples are Glyptals,
PVC, SBR, Teflon, PMMA epoxy polymers,
terylene. formaldehyde resins.

Intext Questions 33.2

1. Define natural and synthetic polymers with examples?
............................................................................................................................................
2. What are cross linked polymers? Give one example of this type.
............................................................................................................................................
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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
3. How do thermoplastic differ from thermosetting polymers? Chemistry and Industry
...............................................................................................................................
4. Arrange the following polymers in the increasing order of their intermolecular forces.
Also classify them as addition and condensation polymers.
Nylon – 66, Buna-S, Polyethene.
...............................................................................................................................
Notes

33.4 Some Commercially Important Polymers

33.4.1 Polydiens
These polymers are obtained when an unsaturated hydrocarbon with two double bonds
or when a diene (2 double bond compound) is polymerized with a substituted alkene
(you have studied in lesson 32 that these alkenes and diens are petrochemicals). The
polymers belonging to this class are rubbers or elastomer. They can be natural or artificial.
Consequently we have natural rubber and synthetic rubber.
(1) Natural Rubber : It is a polymer of unsaturated hydocarbon, 2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene
also called isoprene. It is obtained from the latex of rubber trees found in tropical and
semi-tropical countries such as India (southern part), Indonesia, Malayasia, Ceylon, South
America, etc. The latex contains about 25-40% of rubber hydrocarbons dispersed in water
alongwith stabilizer proteins and some fattyacids. It is a natural polymer and possess
remarkable elasticity. It undergoes long range reversible extension under relatively small
applied force. This elasticity makes it valuable for a variety of uses.

n CH2 = C – CH = CH2  Polymerisation

      CH2 – C = CH – CH2
n
CH3 CH3
Isoprene
Polyisoprene
2-methyl–1, 3–butadiene
(natural rubber)

In natural rubber 10,000 to 20,000 isoprene units are linked together.

Drawbacks of raw rubber.
Raw natural rubber has a number of drawbacks. For example :
1. Rubber is brittle at low temperature and becomes very soft at high temperatures.
Thus it can be used only in the limited temperature range of 10-600C
2. It is too soft to be used for heavy duty operation. Its tensile strength is only
200 Kg/cm2.
3. On stretching, it undergoes permanent deformation.
4. Not resistant to mineral oils, organic solvents and even action of water. It has large
water absorption capacity.

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OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry 5. On exposure to air, it undergoes peroxidation. As a result, its durability is considerably
decreased.
The desired valuable properties of plasticity, elasticity, toughness, hardness, softness,
abrasion, resistance, impermeability, etc. are achieved by the process of Vulcanization.
Vulcanization of Rubber :
The wide applications of rubber are due to its property called elasticity and that is why
rubber is said to be an elastoplastic or elastomer. Accidentally, in 1893, Charles Goodyears
Notes discovered that addition of sulphur to hot rubber cause changes that improve its physical
properties in a spectacular manner. This process is called vulcanization. It is carried out
by heating crude rubber in presence of sulphur or dipping it in a solution of S 2Cl2 in CS2.
Vulcanisation depends upon :
(i) The amount of sulphur used : by increasing the amount of sulphur rubber can be
hardened
(ii) Temperature
(iii) Duration of heating.
Crude rubber is intimately mixed with about 3% ground sulphur, an accelerator and
activator and then heated to about 1500C (for tyres it is 1530C). Vulcanisation is a
progressive reaction and is allowed to a definite stage. The detailed mode of vulcanization
process may be difficult to visualize, but probable structure of vulcanized rubber is depicted
below (Fig. 33.4).

  Heat
 
Sulphur

Natural rubber Vulcanized rubber

Fig. 33.4 : Process of vulcanization of rubber
Table 33.3 Comparison of some properties of natural rubber and vulcanized rubber :
Natural Rubber Vulcanised rubber
1. Natural rubber is soft and 1. Vulcanized rubber is hard and
sticky. non-sticky.
2. It has low tensile strength. 2. It has high tensile strength.
3. It has low elasticity. 3. It has high elasticity.
4. It can be used over a narrow 4. It can be used over a wide
range of temperature (from 100 range of temperature (- 400 to
to 600C). 1000C).
5. It has low wear and tear 5. It has high wear and tear
resistance. resistance.
6. It is soluble in solvents like 6. It is insoluble in most of the
ether, carbon tetrachloride, common solvents.
petrol, etc.

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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
(2) Synthetic Rubbers : Chemistry and Industry
Synthetic high polymers possessing similar physical properties as that of natural rubber
are called synthetic rubber. Usually synthetic rubber is an improvement over natural
rubber, specially with respect to its resistance to oils, gas, solvents, etc. Attempts to find
a synthetic substitute for natural rubber began very early. Faraday, in 1826 concluded
that natural rubber was a hydrocarbon (C5H8 or C10 H16). Greville William (1860), obtained
isoprene, a liquid from rubber. He considered rubber as a polymer of isoprene. Fritz
Hofmann (1909), synthesized rubber first of all by the polymerization of 2, 3-dimethyl
Notes
butadiene. Synthetic rubber has been produced by the polymerization of a large number
of conjugated dienes resembling to isoprene. The Buna Rubber (polymers of butadiene)
was prepared by Germans by the action of sodium on butadiene and that is why such
synthetic rubber is known as “Buna” rubber (“Bu” from butadiene and “na” from the
symbol of sodium Na). Similarly Americans made S.B.R (styrene butadiene rubber) usually
known as G.R.S. Since then the synthetic rubber industry has survived alongwith the
natural rubber production.
Some synthetic rubbers are made by polymerization of only one monomer, for example
Neoprene is made by polymerization of chloroprene, while synthetic rubbers like Buna-
S, Buna N and Butyl rubber etc. are copolymers as these have more then one monomer.
Neoprene : This synthetic rubber resembles natural rubber in its properties. It is obtained
by polymerization of chloroprene.
n CH 2 = C – CH = CH2      CH 2  C  CH  CH 2   
 | 
Cl Cl n
neoprene
Chloroprene
Chloroprene is obtained by the reaction of HCl with vinylacetylene

CH2 = CH – C CH + HCl   CH2 = CH – C = CH2

Vinyl acetylene
Cl
Chloroprene
Neoprene is superior to natural rubber in its stability to aerial oxidation and its resistance
to oils, gasoline and other solvents
Neoprene is used for
(i) making belts, hoses, shoe heals, stoppers, etc. and
(ii) manufacture of containers for storing petrol, oil and other solvents.
Buna – S:
It is obtained by polymerization of butadiene and styrene in presence of sodium metal.
Na
n CH2 = CH – CH = CH2 + n CH = CH2    
Heat
butadiene C6H5
Styrene

( CH2 – CH = CH – CH2 – CH – CH2) n

C6 H5
Buna – S
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OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry In Buna – S, Bu stands for butadiene, Na for sodium and S stands for styrene. It is also
called S.B.R. (Styrene Butadiene Rubber). It has slightly less tensile strength than natural
rubber.
Buna-S is used for
(i) making automobile tyres.
(ii) rubber soles, belts and hoses etc.
Notes Buna – N : It is obtained by copolymerization of two parts of butadiene and one part of
acrylonitrile in presence of sodium metal.
Buna – N is hard and extremely resistant to the swelling action by oils (petrol), solvents
and is resistant to heat, etc.
Uses :
(i) It is used for the manufacture of storage tanks for solvents and
(ii) For making oil seals.
Butyl Rubber : This is obtained as a result of co-polymerization of butadiene and
isobutylene. It is generally carried out in the presence of small quantity of isoprene. The
function of isoprene is not exactly known.

nCH 2  CH  CH  CH 2  (CH 3 ) 2  C  CH 2  
butadiene iso-butylene

 ( CH 2  CH  CH  CH 2  C  CH 2  ) n
|
(CH 3 ) 2
butyl rubber

Butyl rubbers are inert towards acids and alkalies, but have poor resistance towards
petroleum products.

Uses :
(i) It is used for making inner tubes of tyres and
(ii) For making conveyor belts, tank linings and insulation of high voltage wires and
cables etc.

Intext Question 33.3

1. Write the IUPAC names and structures of monomers of the following polymers :
(i) Natural rubber (ii) Neoprene
................................................................................................................................
2. What is the function of sulphur in the vulcanization of rubber?
................................................................................................................................

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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
Chemistry and Industry
33.6 Environmental Problems and Biodegradable Polymers
In this section we shall discuss those polymers which will not cause any environmental
pollution.
With the increasing use of polymers, the problem of disposal of waste of these products
is posing alarming curse. Since most of the synthetic polymers are in the form of plastics,
it is frequently used in abundance in the form of packing material and throw away bags.
Since ordinary polymers do not degrade naturally by light, oxygen, water or micro-
Notes
organisms, there is a serious problem of their disposal. The environmental problems
caused by careless use of non-biodegradable polymers can be reduced by proper disposal
of these materials and reusing them and remoulding them for other uses. Another way is
to collect them and depolymerise them back to monomers. Though it has a limited
application.
Another option is to produce biodegradable polymers which can be broken into small
segments by enzyme-catalysed reactions. The required enzymes are produced by micro-
organisms. It is a known fact that the carbon-carbon bonds of chain growth polymers are
inert to enzyme catalysed reactions, and hence they are non-biodegradable. To make
such polymers biodegradable we have to insert certain bonds in the chains so that these
can be easily broken by the enzymes. When such polymers are buried as waste, micro
organisms present in the soil can degrade the polymer, so that they do not cause any
serious affects on the environment.
One of the best method of making a polymer biodegradable is by inserting hydrolysable
ester group into the polymer.
33.6.1 Some Biodegradable Polymers
A large number of bio degradable polymers are now available and more are being added
to the list. However, these are expensive, therefore, these find use in special situations
where cost factor can be ignored. In future, as their cost reduces these will find greater
use in daily life and will replace non-bio-degradable polymers.
Some important biodegradable polymers are PHBV, PGA, PLA and PCL.
(PHBV) Poly-Hydroxybutyrate – co –  - Hydroxyvalerte
PHBV is a copolymer of 3 – hydroxy butanoic acid, and (3 – hydroxypentanoic acid), in
which, the monomer units are connected by ester linkages.
OH OH

CH3 – CH – CH2 – COOH + CH3 – CH2 – CH – CH2 – COOH  

3- Hydroxybutanoic acid + 3-hydroxypentanoic acid

O – CH – CH2 – CO
n
R PHBV O

R = – CH3 or – CH2 – CH3

The properties of PHBV vary according to the ratio of both the acids. 3 – Hydroxybutanoic
acid provides stiffness and 3 – hydroxypentanoic acid imparts flexibility to the copolymer.
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OPTIONAL MODULE - 2 Chemistry

Chemistry and Industry (i) PHBV is used in orthopaedic devices and

(ii) In controlled drug release. The drug put in PHBV capsule is released after this polymer
is degraded by enzymatic action. It can also be degraded by bacterial action.
PGA Polyglycolic acid is obtained by the chain polymerization of dimer of glycolic acid,
HO – CH2COOH.

O
Notes Heat
n HO – CH2 COOH     – O – CH2 – C – O
Glycolic acid n
Polyglycolic acid (PGA)

PLA Polyactic acid is obtained by polymerization of the dimer of lactic acid (HO–CH(CH3)
COOH) or by micro biological synthesis of lactic acid followed by the polycondensation
and removal of water by evaporation.

O H O

HO – CH – C – OH      
Condensation
O– C– C– O

CH3 CH3 n
Lactic acid Polylactic acid (PLA)

PCL Poly ( –caprolactone) is obtained by chain polymerization of the lactone of 6 –

hydroxy hexanoic acid.
O
     
Polymerisation PCL Poly (E-caprolactone)
– O – (CH2)5 – C – O – –
n
Most of the biodegradable polymers find use in stiching wounds and cuts.
1. In medical goods such as surgical sutures.
2. In agriculture materials such as films, seed coatings.
3. In food wrappers, personal hygiene products, etc.

Intext question 33.5

1. What is PHBV?
................................................................................................................................
2. Give two examples of biopolymers?
................................................................................................................................
3. Define biodegradable polymers? Give three examples?
................................................................................................................................
4. Which polymer is used for post-operative stitches?
................................................................................................................................

In the following Table 33.4 we shall now give a brief account of the various commercially
important polymers alongwith their structures and uses.
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 Polymers OPTIONAL MODULE - 2
Table 33.4 Chemistry and Industry

S. Name of Structure Uses

No. Polymer
1. Polythene –(–CH2 – CH2–)–n As Insulator,
anticorrosive, packing
material, household
and laboratory wares.
2. Polystyrene As Insulator, wrapping Notes
( CH – CH2 ) n
material, manufacture of
toys and household articles.
C 6 H5

3. Polyvinylchloride ( CH2 – CH )n In manufacture or

(PVC) raincoats, hand bags,
Cl vinyl flooring and
leather clothes.
4. Polytetrafluoro –(–CF2 – CF2–)– As lubricant, insulator
n
ethylene and making cooking
(PTFE) or Teflon wares.

5. Polymethyl metha CH3 As substitute of glass

acrylate (PMMA) and making
or Flexi glass ( CH2 – C )n decorative materials.

COOCH3

6. Polyacrylonitrile CN In making synthetic fibres

(Orlon) and synthetic wool.
( CH2 – CH )
n
7. Styrene butadiene
( CH2 – CH = CH – CH2 – CH – CH2 ) In making automobile
rubber (SBR or n tyres and footwear.
BuNa-S) CH 6 5

8. Nitrile rubber ( CH2 – CH = CH – CH2 – CH – CH2 ) In making oil seals

(Buna-N) n manufacture of hoses
and tank linings.
CN
9. Neoprene ( CH2 – C = CH – CH2 ) n As insulator, making
conveyor belts
Cl and printing rollers.

( CH 2 – CH ) n
10. Poly ethyl In making films,
acrylate hose pipes and
COOC2H 5 furnishing fabrics.

11. Terylene For making fibres, safety

(Dacron) ( OOC COO – CH2 – CH2 – O) n belts, tyre cords, tents, etc.

97