Polymers

Monomer: small molecular fragments or The unit molecules that combine with each other to
form a polymer.
Polymer: High molecular mass compounds formed by repeating units of monomer.
Poly: Many mer: units
It is the process of joining large number of monomers to make high molecular mass polymer.

Repeat unit: It is the smallest chain which is repeated to provide the polymer.
Degree of polymerization: It is the number of times a repeat unit is contained in the polymer
molecule. In above example, n denotes the degree of polymerization.
Polymer are classified into many types based on
1. Source
2. Structure
3. Polymerization process
4. Molecular forces

[Link] the basis of source:

i. Natural polymers:
 Are found naturally in our environment as a result of biological process.
 Eg. Proteins, carbohydrates, starch, DNA, RNA, Wool, Silk, Honey, etc.
ii. Semi-synthetic polymers:
• These are polymers that are prepared by making some modification in natural polymers by
artificial means, in laboratory.
• For example: Rayon, vulcanised rubber, gun cotton.
iii. Synthetic polymers:
• These are the man-made polymers, i.e., the polymers that are prepared in laboratory.
• For example: Bakelite, Teflon, PVC, polystyrene, nylon.

2. Classification of synthetic polymer based on preparation

Addition Polymers Condensation Polymer
-Polymer formed by direct repeated -Polymer formed by series of condensation
addition of same type of monomers. reactions involving two different monomer.
-Monomer molecule have double bonds -Each monomer contains two functional groups.
(usually alkenes) -Small molecules are eliminated in the process like
H2O,HCl, CH3OH, NH3.
Example of addition polymer

Example of condensation polymer

Few polymers , their properties and uses

1. Polyethene
-Obtained by polymerization of ethylene/ethene under high pressure of 1000-2000 atm and
temperature of 350-570 K.
-It is a type of addition polymer 350-570 K

1000-2000 atm

Classification of Polythene
Low density polyethene (LDPE):
• It is obtained by polymerization of ethene at 350 to 750 K and 1000 to 2000 atm
pressure.
• It is chemically inert and tough but flexible and a poor conductor of electricity.
• It has a highly branched structure.
• It is used in the insulation of electricity carrying wires and manufacture of squeeze
bottles, toys and flexible pipes.
High density polyethene (HDPE):
• It is obtained by the addition polymerisation of ethene at 330 to 350 K at atmospheric
pressure.
• It is tough and hard with high tensile strength.
• Has a linear structure.
• It is used in the manufacture of plastic containers, house wares, pipes, buckets.

2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

-Obtained by polymerization of vinyl
chloride under high temperature and
pressure presence of peroxides catalyst.
-It is a addition polymer Vinyl chloride/ Poly Vinyl chloride
-It is used in making raincoats, Chloro ethene

handbags, sandal, drainage pipes, flexible water pipes, toys, flooring carpets.

3. PTFE (Poly tetrafluoroethylene)/ Teflon

-Obtained by free-radical addition polymerization of TFE monomer in the presence of small
amounts of initiators, such as ammonium persulfate or other peroxides
-This occurs under high pressure (e.g., 1,000
to 1,500 atmospheres) and elevated
temperatures (e.g., 30-80°C).
-Appearance: The resulting product is a white,
waxy powder.
-Properties: The polymer possesses high
thermal stability, excellent chemical resistance, and low friction due to the strong carbon-
fluorine bonds.
-Used in coatings of non-sticky pans, in medical devices (implants, IV tubes), Aerospace industry
(gaskets, seals), automotive parts (brakes, engines, gears)

4. Polystyrene
-Obtained through the free radical addition polymerization of styrene monomers using an
initiator, typically benzoyl peroxide.
-The process involves heating styrene with the
initiator at 100oC
Properties of polystyrene

Uses of polystyrene
-Expanded polystyrene used in insulation in buildings, homes, and appliances.
-Packaging material for fragile items such as electronics, appliances, and glassware.
-Toys (foam balls, boomerangs, and other outdoor toys)
-Food packaging, such as disposable plates, cups, and containers.
-Material for arts and crafts projects

5. Melamine: Preparation
-Urea first breaks down into cyanic acid (HNCO) and ammonia (NH₃).
-The cyanic acid then undergoes polymerization to form cyanuric acid, which reacts with the
liberated ammonia to produce melamine.
6 HNCO → (HNCO)₆ (Cynaic acid)
6 HNCO + 3 NH₃ → C₃H₆N₆ + 3 CO₂
Melamine-formaldehyde polymer: Preparation
-Obtained by reacting melamine with
formaldehyde under alkaline conditions,
typically involving heating to an elevated
temperature (70-80 oC) in a reactor,
adjusting the pH (8-10), and then cooling to
form the prepolymer.
-Water is eliminated in the process.
[Link]
Preparation: Phenol and formaldehyde
are mixed with a catalyst, such as
hydrochloric acid (acid catalyst), zinc
chloride, or ammonia (base catalyst) and
form intermediate
hydroxymethylphenols.
Further reaction removes water, forming
thermoplast ic resins called novolacs.
The initial product, called Bakelite A, is
heated under pressure in a Bakelizer at
bout 150 °C (302 °F).
Final Cross-linking: This high-
temperature, high-pressure heating
creates a rigid, cross-linked, hard, and
infusible thermosetting polymer known
as resite or hard Bakelite.
It is formed by condensation
polymerization.
H

Hazards caused by synthetic polymers

1. Discuss 5 negative impacts of synthetic polymers.
2. Suggest 5 practical measures that you can take in order to reduce the hazards caused by
synthetic polymers.