POLYMERS PART II by Shiv Sharma
The main topics covered in this part are:
• Copolymerization
• Rubber
o Natural
o Synthetic
• Biodegradable Polymers
• Polymers of Commercial Importance
The key notes of the chapter are as follows:
Copolymerization
It is a type of polymerization reaction in which a mixture of more than one
nonomeric species is allowed to polymerise and form a polymer called
copolymer.
Copolymer contains multiple units of each monomer.
For example: 1, 3-Butadiene and styrene can undergo copolymerization to
form butadiene –styrene copolymer.
Rubber
Rubber is of two types: Natural and synthetic
1. Natural Rubber
It is a natural polymer possessesing elastic properties.
It is a linear 1, 4-polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene).
Drawbacks of Natural Rubber:
• It becomes soft at high temperature and brittle at low temperatures.
• It is non-resistant to the attack of oxidizing agents.
Vulcanisation of Rubber: The process of adding sulphur to rubber to improve
its physical properties is called vulcanisation of rubber.
Vulcanisatlon is carried out by adding sulphur (3-5%) and zinc oxide to the
rubber, and then heating the object at about 110°Cfor about 20-30 minutes.
Zinc oxide accelerates the rate of vulcanisation
Sulphur forms cross links at the reactive sites of double bonds and thus the
rubber gets stiffened.
Thus about 5% sulphur is used for making tyre rubber and 30% of it for
making battery case rubber.
The improved properties of vulcanised rubber are:
(i) High elasticity.
(ii) Low water-absorption tendency
(iii) Resistance to oxidation.
2. Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubbers are polymers derived from 1, 3 - butadiene or 1, 3 -
butadiene derivatives.
The synthetic rubber is of two types:
• Neoprene
o It is a homopolymers of chloroprene (2-Chloro-1,3-butadiene).
o Uses: It is used for manufacturing conveyor belts, gaskets and hoses.
• Buna-N
o It is a copolymer of 1,3-Butadiene with acrylonitrile (Buns-N) carried
out in the presence of a peroxide catalyst.
o Uses: It is used in making conveyor belts and printing rollers.
Biodegradable Polymers
These are the synthetic polymers that are hydrolysed by enzymes and to
some extent degrade by oxidation.
These polymers contain functional groups similar to the functional groups
present in biopolymers.
Some important examples of biodegradable polymers are given below:
1. Poly-hydroxybutyrate- co-β-hydroxy valerate (PHBV):
• Preparation: It is a copolymer of 3-hydroxy butanoic acid and 3-
hydroxy pentanoic acid in which the monomeric units are connected by ester
linkages.
• Uses: It is used in packaging, orthopaedic devices and even in controlled
drug release.
2. Suture Polymer:
• It is a copolymer of glycolic acid and lactic acid.
• Sutures help the healing process by closing and sealing a wound.
• Dextron was the first biodegradable suture made from biodegradable
polyesters for post-operation sticher.
3. Nylon-2-Nylon-6:
It is a copolymer of (H2N–CH2–COOH) and amino caproic acid [H2N
(CH2)5 COOH] and is biodegradable.
Polymers of Commercial Importance
Some Commercially Important Polymers, their monomers and uses are given
below:
Polymer Monomer Uses
CH2=CHCl Manufacture of rain coats, hand bags,
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Vinyl Chloride vinyl flooring, and water pipes.
CH2=CH2 Manufacture of coats, wire insulators,
Polyethylene
Ethylene bags
As insulator, wrapping material,
CH2=CH‒C6H5
Polystyrene manufacture of toys, radio and
Vinylbenzene (Styrene)
television cabinets
CH2=CH‒OCOCH3
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) Making latex, paint
Vinylacetate
CH2=CH‒CH=CH2
BUNA rubber Manufacture of tyres and hoses
1,3-Butadiene