ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY

COURSE NO: 1205

COURSE NAME: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
CHAPTER 6

POLYMERS

WRITTEN BY
BAPPI,FAHIM
FARABI,BORSHON,FAHIM,RUHUL,SOURAV,HRIDOY,RIMON
BTGE,IU
 BAPPI,FAHIM FARABI,BORSHON,FAHIM,RUHUL,SOURAV,HRIDOY,RIMON

Chapter 6 : Polymer

1. What do you mean by polymer and polymerization?

2. Mention that different types of addition polymers with example.
3. What are the difference between addition and condensation
polymerization?
4. Give that preparation method and use of terylene and nylon-6.6
5. Define polymer. mention the classification of polymer
6. How will you distinguish between natural and synthetic rubber?
7. What is monomer of natural rubber define the term vulcanization or
rubber.
8. Define thermoplastic and Thermosetting polymers.
How will you synthesis the following
i. PVC from acetylene
ii. Nylon-6.6 from 1,3-butadiene
9. What is PVC? Mention their preparation and uses
10. What is condensation polymer? Mention the synthesis way of
Dacron.
11. Mention the factors that govern the properties and structure of
polymer.
12. What do you understand by Co-polymer? Give example.
13. Define plastic polymer. Discuss its classification with suitable
example.
14. Illustrate the importance of plastic.

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[Link] is polymers and polymerization? Describe the classification

of polymers?
Ans: Polymers are high molecular weight compounds whose structures
are composed of a large number of simple repeating unites.
Or,Polymers are define as macro molecules, which is composed of one
or more monomers that are repeated throughout a chain.
The conversion process, monomers to polymers is known as
polymerization.
Example: The formation of polyethylene from ethylene is an example
of polymerization.

Classification of polymers:
There are two main types of polymers.
I. Addition Polymers.
II. Condensation Polymers.

I. Addition Polymers(chain growth polymer)

Addition polymer are formed by combination of alkene monomers to
produce single huge molecule only. Those reaction catalysed by
peroxide or acids. The reaction required pressure of 1000 atm at 200 C.
Much lower temprture and pressure can be used with so called “Zigler
catylazed” which consist of a trialkyl aluminium and titanium
tetracloraid in an inert solvent.

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[Link] (Polythene)
It is obtained by polymersing ethylene.

Uses of Polythene
[Link] is used in the manufacture of house wares. such as dustbin, carpet
backing, packaging materials and cable insulition.
[Link] primary uses of polyethylene are in are packaging film, garbage,
bags, grocery-bags, agriculture mluch, bottle, toys, fruit juice container,
milk container.
[Link]
It is obtained by poly-merising propylene.

Uses of Polypropylene
[Link] is used in the manufacture of houseware such as pans,drinking glass.
[Link] equipment
[Link]
[Link] componenets
[Link] [Link] [Link].

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[Link] chloride (PVC)

It is obtained by polymerising vinyl chloride.

Uses of PVC
[Link] is used in the manufacture of imitation leather, floor covering,
corrugated roofing materials and gramophone records.
[Link] of window frames.
[Link] service pipe.
[Link] device.
[Link] storage bag.
[Link] and wares insulation.

[Link]
It is obtained by polymerising vinyl cyanide(acrylonitrile).

Uses of orlon
[Link] is used as synthetic textile fiber in clotting and carpeting.
[Link] as hot gas container.

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[Link] (PTFE)Tetrafluoroethylene
Tetrafluroethylene is obtained from chloroform as follows.
Formation
CHCl3 + 2HF CHClF2 + 2HCl

CHClF2 CF2 = CF2 + 2HCl

Uses of Teflon
[Link] is use as nonstick coating particularly for cooking utensils.
[Link] as electrical and heat resistance.
[Link] as insulation for electric item.
[Link] of gaskets and valves.

II. Condensation polymer:

Condensation polymers are formed by combination of monomers with
the elimination of simple molecules such as H2O or CH3OH. There are
two main type of condensation polymers.
1. Polyesters
2. Polyamides.
Examples:

A) Terylene:(also called Dacron or Teron)

Dacron is the most important polyester .It is prepared by heating
ethylene glycol with dimethyl terepthalate at 270-285°c in the presence
of metal oxides.

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Formation:

Ethylene glycol is manufactured by catalytic oxidation of ethylene to

ethylene oxide which is then treated with dilute acid.

Uses Terylene
1)Terylene fibre is used as polyester tricot knit as a fashion garments
fabric.
2) It is used in making plastic bottles, sheets, ropes, nets, and sails,
dresses, toestry, raincoat, belts, fire hoses, and filled products.
3) Uses for the laundry usage as a automatic clothing vaccum packaging
machine.
4) it is used to make non woven needile punched carpet particularly for
the exhibition use.

B) Nylon-6,6:
Nylon-6,6 is the most important polyamide. It is obtained by heating
adipic acid with hexamethylene under nitrogen at 180-220°c. Nylon-6,6
derives its name from its starting materials. Adipic acid and
hexamethylene diamine both of which have six carbon.

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Formation

Uses of Nylon 66:

1)it is used to make fibres for clothing and carpeting, filaments for
fishing lines and ropes, bristles for brushes and molded objects such as
gears and bearing etc.
2) it is used for airbag tires, ropes, hoses, conveyor belts.
3) it is light material so it is suitable to be used for parachutes.
4) it is waterproof so that it is used to make swimwear.
5) it is also resistant to water. So it is used to make machine parts.
Thermoplastic:
A thermoplastic is polymers is one which suflens on heating and became
hard on cooling. Most addition polymers and some condensation
polymers are thermoplastic.
Example : polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and nylon-6.6
Thermosetting polymers:
A thermosetting polymers is one which becomes hard on heating. It can
not softened by heating. Such polymers are prepared in two stage. The
first stage is the formation of long chain molecules which are capable of
further reaction with each other. The second stage is the application of
heat which causes a reaction to occur between the chain, thus producing
a complex cross linked polymer.
Example: is Bakelite which is made by reaction between phenol and
formaldehyde.

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Formation:

Use of Bakelite:
[Link] is used widely for making molded product such as handle on
electrical and cooking utensils.
2. Electronic plates
3. Switches
4. Appliances
Other example of thermosetting plastic are
1. Phenolic resin
phenolic resin also known as phenolic formaldehyde resin is a synthetic
resin produce from the polymerization of phenol and a formaldehyde.
Uses:
phenolic resin are used in myriads of industrial product as well as being
widely used in the manufacture of circuit board.

2. Epoxy resin Phenolic resin

Epoxy is the family of basic component or cured end product of epoxy
resin. Epoxy reein also known as polyepoxides.
Uses:
One of the most common use of epoxy resin is for adhesive purpose,
commonly epoxy resin is used in construction of vehicles, snowboards,
aircraft and bicycle.

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[Link] is rubber? Describe the various types of rubber?

Ans: Rubber refers to polymer that exhibit stretch retract rapidly it's
structure is identical to 1.4 polyisoprene. It is obtained from latex.
Rubber is the polymer of polyisoprene.
There are two types of rubber.
(a) Natural rubber.
(b)Synthetic rubber.

(a) Natural rubber:

Natural rubber is a hydrocarbon polymer build up from the monomer
isoprene.
Formations:

Natural rubber is an elastomer (an elastic hydrocarbon polymer) that was

originally derived from latex, a milky colloidal. Suspension foumd in the
sap of some plants. Raw rubber obtained from latex tapped from the
rubber tree, particularly Hevea brasiliensis does not posses
characteristics of the rubber with which we are familian, in order to give
it strength and elasticity it is vulcanised. In the vulcanisation process raw
rubber is mixed with small amounts of sulphur and heated. The sulfer
react with the polymer forming a cross linked net work.

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Uses of Natural Rubber

 Erasing mistakes. It is very easy to imagine, as we know what is
eraser from school times. ...
 Prevent browning. Have you ever faced such problem as that awful
brown color of a fruit or vegetables. ...
 Portion control. ...
 Tying up loose ends. ...
 Lid gripper. ...
 Drink marker. ...
 Anti-slipping. ...
 In case you are a book worm.

(b)Synthetic rubber:
Newprene rubber and synthene butadine rubber are known as synthetic
rubber.

1) Neoprene rubber: It was the first synthetic rubber manufacturered

on large scale. The monomer chloroprene in prepared from acytylene.
Neoprene is particularly resistance to chemical action and is therefore
used in making hoses.
Formation

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Uses of neoprene rubber:

1. Newprene rubber is particularly resistance to chemical action so that
used in making hoses for petrol and oil amd contamers for corrosive
chemicals.
2. Uses as heat and shock resistance.

(2) Styrene Botadine Rubber (SBR):

It is a copolymer made from styrene. Styrene-butadiene or styrene-
butadiene rubber (SBR) describe families of synthetic rubbers derived
from styrene and butadiene (the version developed by Goodyear is
called Neolite). These materials have good abrasion resistance and good
aging stability when protected by additives.
Formation:

Uses of SBR:
A complete list of the uses of SBR includes houseware mats, drain board
trays, shoe sole and heels, chewing gum, food container sealants, tires,
conveyor belts, sponge articles, adhesives and caulks, automobile mats,
brake and clutch pads, hose, V- belts, flooring, military tank pads, hard
rubber battery box cases.

3) Butyl rubber:
It is a copolymer made from isobutylene and isoprene. The reaction is
carried at -80 to -100 in methyl chloride as solvent and with anhydrous
aluminium chloride as catalyst.

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Formation

Uses of Butyl rubber

Polyisobutylene and butyl rubber are used in the manufacture of

adhesives, agricultural chemicals, fiber optic compounds, ball bladders,
O-rings, caulks and sealants, cling film, electrical fluids, lubricants (2
stroke engine oil), paper and pulp, personal care products, pigment
concentrates, for rubber and polymer.
Use As fuel and lubricant additive
Use As explosives
Use In Sporting equipment
Use In Damp proofing and roof Repair
Use In Gas masks and chemical agent protection
Use In Medical Stoppers
Use In Chewing gum
Use In Tyres

3) Describe the several factor which influence on properties of

polymers?
Ans: Physical Properties polymers
[Link] of polymers varies from several molecule. The tensile and
strength varies with this molecule weight.
[Link] have several functional group.
3. Polymers can undergo hydrogen, protein, dipole dipole interactions.
4. Is has primary structure and secondary structure.

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5. Polymer have a high degree of sterility.

[Link] chain length and cross-linking increases, the tensile strength of the
polymer increases.
[Link] do not melt, they change state from crystalline to semi-
crystalline.

Chemical Properties
[Link] to conventional molecules with different side molecules,
the polymer is enabled with hydrogen bonding and ionic bonding
resulting in better cross-linking strength.
[Link]-dipole bonding side chains enable the polymer for high
flexibility.
[Link] with Van der Waals forces linking chains are known to be
weak, but give the polymer a low melting point.

Optical Properties
Due to their ability to change their refractive index with temperature as
in the case of PMMA and HEMA: MMA, they are used in lasers for
applications in spectroscopy and analytical applications.

4) Describe the structure of polymers?

Ans: Structure of polymers:
Properties of polymer mainly depend on structure. There are two types
of structure of polymer. They are-
Primary structure
Secondary structure

The chemical composition of a polymer chain is known as its primary

structure and how the chain is arranged in relation to itself and to other
chains is called secondary structure. The secondary structure is as
important to the properties of a polymer as its chemical composition. A
polymer may bd composed of continuous chains held together by
hydrogen bonds or by other dipole-dipole attractions. A more-ordered
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polymer is said to have a higher degree of crystallinity. Gutta-percha is a

highly crystalline-polymer.

Let us consider the polymerisation of propylene. There are three types of

product such as given bellow-

This polymer in which CH3 groups are on the some side of the zig-zag
carbon chain is called isotactic. The polymer in which the CH3 groups

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are alternate on the opposite side of chain is called syndiotactic. And the
polymer in which the CH3 groups are randomly oriented is called
Atactic.

5) How will you distinguish between natural and synthetic rubber?

Ans: distinguish between natural and synthetic rubber

Natural Rubber Synthetic Rubber

[Link] rubber is a natural [Link] rubber is man made
biosynthetic polymer obtained polymers under controlled
from a tree called Hevea condition.
[Link] occur in plant cell. [Link] from crude oil by-
product by using solution or
emulsion polymerization
technique.
[Link] include cis 1,4 3. Monomer in different in
isoprene. synthetic rubber type.
4. Polymer content or the quality 4. High quality rubbers with
of the latex very widely and consistent polymer content can be
depend on clone, geographical obtained with very low impurities.
area, weather, soil type etc.
5. Properties are difficult to 5. Properties can be adjusted to
change. the final application.
6. Exist in living things. 6. Man-made in laboratory
through chemical processes.
7. Example: 7. Examples:
Protein, cellulose, wool, silk, Plastic, synthetic fibres, synthetic
starch natural rubber and DNA. rubber.

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6) What is natural rubber? How do you obtain natural rubber from

natural sources?
Ans: Natural rubber is an elastomer (an elastic hydrocarbon polymer)
that was originally derived from latex, a milky colloidal suspension
found in the sap of some plants. Chanles Goodyear invented vulcanised
rubber, this is a form of natural rubber heated with mostly sulfur forming
cross-links between polymer chain, improving elasticity and durability.

Obtaining natural rubber from natural sources:

Raw rubber is obtained from latex tapped from the rubber tree,
particularly Hevea brasiliensis. In order to give it strength and elasticity,
it's vulcanised in this process, raw rubber is mixed with small amounts
of sulphur and heated. The sulphur reacts with the polymer molecules
forming a cross-linked network. This cross linked gives mechanical
strength to the rubber.

Natural rubber is cis-polyisoprene with an all cis configuration about the

c-c double bonds. Gutto-Perche, also obtained from plants, is an all
trans-polyisoprene. The sis natural rubber is a soft, elastic material
where as the trans-gutta-percha is a tough, nonelastic, hornlite substance.
Gutta-percha is used for electrical insulation and in dentistry

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7) What are the difference between addition and condensation

polymerization?
Ans:
Addition Condensation
1. Addition polymerization 1. Condensation polymerization
produces addition polymers. produce condensation polymers.
2. Monomer must have at least a 2. Monomer must have at least two
double or triple bond. similar or different functional
group.
3. Addition of monomer results in 3. Monomer condense to give a
a polymer. polymer.
4. Has no by-product. 4. Produce by product such as
water, ammonia, HCL.
5. Molecular weight of the 5. Molecular weight of the
resulting polymer is an integral resulting polymer is not an intregal
multiple of monomer's molecular multiplie of monomers molecular
weight. weight.
6. Reaction result in high 6. Molecular weight of the
molecular weight polymer at once. polymer increase steady with the
reaction.
7. Produces thermoplastics 7. Produce thermosets
8. Result in homo-chain polymers. 8. Results in hetero cahin
polymers.
9. Radical initiators, Lewis acid or 9. Mineral acid and bases are
base are catalysts. cataysts.
[Link] chain polymers is [Link] chain polymers is
obtained. obtained.

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8) Illustrate the importance of plastic?

Ans:
Enhancement of the quality of life:
Internet, electronic devices and even surgical instruments play a very
important role in making life easier for the people. They use plastic as
the medium to make the product durable and light weight. Continuous
innovation has led to the refinement of products made from plastic to
ensure sustainable development.

Preservation of precious resources:

Pipelines are being constructed with the help of the plastic material to
ensure that flow of water to different parts of the world. Moreover, they
are also used in the construction of houses for plumbing. Unlike iron,
plastic pipes don’t rust when coming in contact with water; therefore
they are used in multiple application right from residences to industries.
Usage of plastic is instrumental in reducing the problem of deforestation
because in past woods were cut for usage in daily life however their
usage has become limited over a period of time.

Efficient use of resources:

According to experts, Plastic usage has gone on a long way in reduce the
dependence on oil. Plastic recycling has become a thriving industry in
modern times with the waste being directed to the landfill. Plastic is also
used to capture the solar energy in order to generate electricity and save
on the energy bills. Majority of people are suffering from the rise in the
price of fossil fuels, hence optimizing their usage will help to reduce the
manufacturing cost and inflation.

Creation of cutting edge technology:

Plastic is used to make optic fibers that are laid under the sea to provide
high speed internet connection to the users. Without the material,
innovation is not possible in the field of technology. Modern air
conditioners are molded in plastic to ensure light weight appliances that
can be installed in commercial and residential premises. It also used in
making snow, skate boards and modern aviation equipments.
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Vehicles use plastic material because it optimizes the usage of power

and make them more efficient. Plastics can be found everywhere
including seats, interior panel and polycarbonate windows.

9. What do you understand by Co-polymer? Give example.

Ans: In polymer chemistry, a copolymer is a polymer derived from more

than one species of monomer. The polymerization of monomers into
copolymers is called copolymerization. Copolymers obtained by
copolymerization of two monomer species are sometimes called
bipolymers. Those obtained from three and four monomers are called
terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively.

Commercial copolymers include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),

styrene/butadiene co-polymer (SBR), nitrile rubber, styrene-
acrylonitrile, styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and ethylene-vinyl acetate,
all formed by chain-growth polymerization. Another production
mechanism is step-growth polymerization, used to produce the nylon-
12/6/66 copolymer of nylon 12, nylon 6 and nylon 66, as well as the
copolyester family.

Since a copolymer consists of at least two types of constituent units (also

structural units), copolymers can be classified based on how these units
are arranged along the chain. Linear copolymers consist of a single main
chain, and include alternating copolymers, statistical copolymers and
block copolymers. Branched copolymers consist of a single main chain
with one or more polymeric side chains, and can be grafted, star shaped
or have other architectures.

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Block Copolymers
When more than one homopolymer units are linked together
via covalent bonds, the resulting single-chain macromolecule is called a
block copolymer.

Statistical Copolymer
Statistical copolymers are the polymers in which two or more monomers
are arranged in a sequence that follows some statistical rule.

Alternating Copolymers
Alternating copolymers contain a single main chain with alternating
monomers.
The formula of an alternating copolymer made up of monomers A and B
can be generalized to (-A-B-)n.
Nylon 6,6 is an example of an alternating copolymer, consisting of
alternating units of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid.

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Periodic Copolymers
These polymers feature a repeating sequence in which the monomers are
arranged in a single chain. An illustration of the structure of a periodic
copolymer made up of monomers A and B is provided below.

Gradient and Stereoblock Copolymers

The single-chain copolymers in which the composition of monomers
gradually changes along the main chain are called gradient copolymers.
If the tacticity of the monomers varies with different blocks or units in
the polymer, the macromolecule is known as a stereoblock copolymer.

Branched Copolymer
As the name suggests, a branched copolymer is a polymer in which the
monomers form a branched structure. Some important types of branched
copolymers include star, comb, grafted, and brush copolymers.
A star copolymer contains several polymeric chains that are attached to
the same central core.

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Graft Copolymers
Branched copolymers featuring differently structured main chains and
side chains are known as graft copolymers. An illustration detailing the
structure of a graft copolymer made up of monomers A and B is
provided below.

10. Define plastic polymer. Discuss its classification with suitable

example.
Ans: Plastics are polymers. A polymer is a substance made of many
repeating units. The word polymer comes from two Greek words: poly,
meaning many, and meros, meaning parts or units. A polymer can be
thought of as a chain in which each link is the “mer,” or monomer
(single unit).
Example
(a) bakelite
(b) polystyrene
(c) polythene

A polymer is a macromolecule composed of many repeated subunits,

known as monomers. Bakelite is a phenol formaldehyde resin.
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the styrene

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monomer. Polythene is a thermoplastic polymer consisting of long

hydrocarbon chains.

Polyethylene is the most commonly produced plastic polymer (and this

is reflected in what is typically found in the environment. For example,
barnacles collected from the North Pacific were found to contain 58 %
polyethylene, 5 % polypropylene, and 1 % polystyrene microparticles 49

There are 7 types of plastic exist in our current modern days:

1 – Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE or Polyester) ...
2 – High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ...
3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ...
4 – Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) ...
5 – Polypropylene (PP) ...
6 – Polystyrene (PS) ...
7 – Other.

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