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Introduction
The word polymer has a Greek
origin. This means many units
(parts).
Polymer is defined as a chemical
substance of a high molecular mass
formed by the combination of a
large number of simple molecules,
called monomers.
Monomer: the repeating unit in a polymer. It is a
simple molecule having two or more bonding sites
through which, can form links with other monomers
in forming building blocks of polymer chain.
The essential requirement for molecule to be a
monomer should possess at least one or more
multiple bonds.
No of reactive sites in a monomer is referred as its
functionality
I Classification of Polymers Based on Source of
Origin
(i) Natural polymers those polymers which occur in
nature. i.e., in plants or animals are called natural
polymers.
S. No. Natural polymer Occurrence
1 starch Reserve food for
plants
2 Cellulose Structural unit of
plants
3 protein Building block in
animals
4 Natural rubber Occurs as a latex
(ii) Synthetic polymers
The polymers which are prepared in the laboratory
are known as synthetic polymers or man-made
polymers, e.g., polythene, synthetic rubber, PVC,
nylon-66, teflon, terylene etc.
(iii) Semi synthetic polymers
Polymers obtained by making some modification in
natural polymers by artificial means, are known as
semi synthetic polymers, e.g., cellulose acetate
(rayon), vulcanized rubber etc.
II Classification of Polymers Based on Structure
Linear polymers These are the polymers in which the
monomer units are linked to one another to form
long linear chains. These linear chains are closely
packed in space. The close packing results in high
densities, tensile strength and high melting and
boiling points. e.g., high density polyethene, nylon
and polyesters are linear polymers.
Branched chain polymers In such polymers, the monomer
units are linked to form long chains with some branched
chains of different lengths with source. As a result of
branching, these polymers are not closely packed in space.
Thus, they have low densities, low tensile strength as well
as low melting and boiling points. Some common
examples of such polymers are low density polyethene,
starch, glycogen etc.
Cross-linked polymers or network polymers
In such polymers, the monomer units are linked
together to form three dimensional network. These
are expected to be quite hard, rigid and brittle.
Examples of cross linked polymers are bakelite,
glyptal, melamine-formaldehyde polymer etc.
III Classification of Polymers Based on Mode of Polymerization
Addition polymers
The polymers formed by the polymerisation of monomers
containing double or triple bonds (unsaturated
compounds) are called addition polymers. Addition
polymers have the same empirical formula as their
monomers. Addition polymers can further be classified on
the basis of the types of monomers into the following two
classes:
• Homo polymers
• Copolymers
Homopolymers
The polymers which are obtained by the
polymerization of a single type of monomer are called
homopolymers.
Copolymers
The polymers which are obtained by the
polymerisation of two or more monomers are called
copolymers.
Thermoplastics: These are linear polymers and have
weak Vanderwal forces acting in the various chains.
These forces are intermediate of the forces present in
the elastomers and in the fibers. When heated, they
melt and form a fluid which sets into a hard mass on
cooling. Thus, they can be cast into different shapes
by using suitable moulds,
e.g., polyethene and polystyrene.
Thermosetting setting resins
These are normally semi fluid substances with low
molecular masses. When heated, they become hard
and infusible due to the cross-linking between the
polymer chains. As a result, they also become three
dimensional in nature.
A few common thermosetting polymers are baklite,
melamine-formaldehyde resin and urea formaldehyde
resin.
Thermoplastic Thermo setting resins
Thermoplastic are weak, soft, less Thermosetting resins are strong ,
brittle. Ex: PE,PP,PVC etc., hard
,more brittle.
Ex: Nylon, Bakelite.
Thermoplastics are linear long chain Thermosetting resins are three
polymers with weak intermolecular dimensional cross linked network
forces of attraction polymers with strong,
intermolecular forces of attraction
Thermoplastics soften on heating , Thermosetting resins do not get
harden on cooling .Hardening is softened on heating, strong cross
temporary property. Secondary links retain their strength. On
bonds between chains break easily strong or prolonged heating gets
by heat. charred , but do not get softened.
Thermoplastics can be reshaped or Thermosetting plastics retain thier
reused and reclaimed from wastes of shape and structure. Can not be
this plastic reshaped or reused.
Thermoplastic are soluble in some Thermosetting Plastic are insoluble in
organic solvents almost all organic solvents
Polymerization is the process by which the
monomers get combined and transformed into
polymers.
n [Monomer] → Polymer .
No of repeating units in a polymer is known as
Degree of polymerisation.
TYPES OF POLYMERIZATION-
Free radical & Cationic
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Preparation, properties and uses of polystyrene
Polystyrene is a versatile (=able to adapt or be adapted to
many different functions or activities) plastic used to make a
wide variety of consumer products.
As a hard, solid plastic, it is often used in products that
require clarity, such as food packaging and laboratory ware.
When combined with various colorants, additives or other
plastics, polystyrene is used to make appliances, electronics,
automobile parts, toys, gardening pots and equipment and
more.
Polystyrene also is made into a foam material, called
expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene
(XPS), which is valued for its insulating and cushioning
properties.
Foam polystyrene(styrofoam) can be more than 95 percent
air and is widely used to make home appliance insulation,
lightweight protective packaging, surfboards, foodservice
and food packaging, automobile parts, roadway and road
bank stabilization systems and more.
USES
Polystyrene in Appliances
Refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves,
vacuum cleaners, blenders – these and other
appliances often are made with polystyrene (solid and
foam) because it is inert (doesn’t react with other
materials), cost-effective and long-lasting.
Polystyrene in Automotive
Polystyrene (solid and foam) is used to make many car
parts, including knobs, instrument panels, trim,
energy absorbing door panels and sound dampening
foam. Foam polystyrene also is widely used in child
protective seats.
Preparation, properties and uses of
polyethylene
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Polymer Properties Uses
Flexible, cheap,
chemical resistance Carrier bags,
to strong shampoo bottles,
acids,alkalis and salt food wrap,
solution at room toys,sheets for
Poly(ethene) 'polythene'
temperature. Good packing
insulator of materials,tubes,coate
electricity d wire,cables , bags
3 types- for packing
LDPE,HDPE,MDPE
nylon 6,6 is formed by the condensation of
hexamethylene diamine with adipic acid(water
removed from 2 monomers).amide formation in
nylon 6,6
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Polymer Properties Uses
High temperature
stability, good
Used for fibre I
abrasion resistance,
making socks,
soluble in phenol
dresses, carpets
and formic acid,
Nylon 6,6 Making filaments for
common organic
ropes, bristles for
solvents like
tooth brushes and
benzene, acetone,
films, tyre cords
good physical
strength.
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Bakelite preparation
phenol+formaldehyde ----O & P-methoxy phenol
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•Enhanced toughness and
strength
•Better moldability
•Greater thermal, electrical and
chemical resistance
•Change in color
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uses
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