UNIT IV POLYMERS
Polymers: In Greek, poly = many, mers = parts or segments.
“Polymers are very large molecule that are made up of thousands
even millions of atoms that are bonded together in a repeating
pattern”. The molecular links in the polymer chain are called
repeated units. “The repeating units in the polymer chain called
monomers”. In order to form polymers, monomers should either
have double or triple bond or reactive functional group.
Polymerization: The process in which large number of small
molecules (monomers) link together to form a large molecule
(polymer) in presence of temperature, pressure and catalyst is known
as polymerisation.
Degree of Polymerisation: “The number of repeating units present
in polymer is called as degree of polymerisation.” It represents the
number of repeating units in polymeric chain. For example, if polymer
contains 1000 repeating units then the degree of polymerisation is
1000.
CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS
A) Classification on the basis of monomers:
i) Homopolymers ii) Copolymers
i) Homopolymers
The polymers formed from the same type of monomers are called
homopolymers.
For example: Polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene etc.
ii) Copolymer
The polymers formed from the two or more different repeating
monomers are called copolymers.
Example: Styrene acrylonitrile, styrene butadiene, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, Bakelite, Nylon 66 etc.
B) Classification on the basis of thermal behavior:
i) Thermoplastics ii) Thermosetting
i)Thermoplastics:
These are formed by addition polymerization. Thermoplastic resin
becomes soften on heating and harden on cooling without
appreciable change of properties.
For example: Polyethylene, polystyrene, PVC, cellulose nitrate,
cellulose acetate etc.
ii) Thermosetting:
Thermosetting plastics are formed by condensation polymerization
and these plastics having the property of becoming permanently hard
and rigid. When heated they does not become soft again.
For example: Bakelite, Nylon 66, Urea-formaldehyde etc.
Sr. Thermoplastic Thermosetting Plastic
No.
1) These are formed by addition These are formed by condensation
polymerization. polymerization.
2) They exhibit linear structure. They exhibit cross-linked structure.
3) They have low molecular weight. They have high molecular weight.
4) They are soft, weak, less brittle. They are hard, strong, more brittle.
5) Their intermolecular bonds are weaker.Their intermolecular bonds are strong
covalent bonds.
6) They are soluble in organic solvents. They are soluble in inorganic solvents.
7) They become soften on heating, hence They do not become soften on
can be reshaped and reused. heating, hence cannot be reshaped and
reused.
C) Classification on the basis of monomer structure
i) Linear polymers and ii) Cross-linked polymers
i) Linear polymers
In this type of polymers monomers are joined with each other and
formed long and straight chain.
For example: Polythene, PVC, polystyrene, Teflon etc.
ii) Cross linked polymers
In this type of polymers, monomers are joined with each other and
formed a network or cross-linked structure.
For example: Bakelite, Nylon-66 etc.
D) Classification on the basis of Polymerization reaction :
a)Addition polymerization b) Condensation polymerization
a) Addition polymerization: The polymers formed by repeated
addition of same type of monomers without elimination of bi-products
like water, ammonia, methanol in specific condition of temp, pressure
and catalyst is called addition polymerization.
For example: Polyethylene, polystyrene, PVC, Teflon etc.
b) Condensation polymerization: The polymers formed by
condensation of different types of monomers with elimination of
small molecules like water, ammonia, methanol in specific condition
of temp, pressure and catalyst is called condensation polymerization.
For example: Phenol-formaldehyde resin (Bakelite), polyester,
epoxy resin, nylon 66.
Addition polymerization : Synthesis of Polymers
a) Synthesis of Polyethylene
The monomer used in this formation is ethylene. One of the double bond between carbon
atoms is open up leaving one electron to each carbon atom and forming unstable molecule.
The unstable molecules joined with similar molecule to form polymer.
Properties
1) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) has high tensile strength, high density, it is relatively
brittle and has low impact strength. It has low moisture absorption.
2) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) has low density, low tensile strength, less brittle. It has
low moisture permeability.
Applications
1) High density polyethylene is used in products and packaging such as water pipes, toys,
detergent bottles.
2) Low density polyethylene is used for both rigid containers and plastic film applications,
such as plastic bags and film wrap.
For example: in orthopaedic products, in consumer packaging bags, bottles and liners.
Synthesis of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
It is prepared by heating vinyl chloride in presence of catalyst
benzoyl peroxide or H2O2.
Properties
1) It is chemically inert.
2) It is colourless, odourless
3) It has excellent resistance to water.
4) It is non-inflammable.
5) It is resistant to light and atmospheric oxygen.
6) It has excellent resistance to aqueous solutions, but it is attacked by
stronger solvents such as aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters,
chlorinated solvents etc.
Applications
1) Plasticized PVC is used for making continuous sheets used for
packing rain-coats, curtains, table cloths, electrical insulation, bottles, door
and window components, film and fabric coatings, radio components,
chemical container.
2) Unplasticized PVC has high rigidity and superior chemical
resistance. It is used for tank linings, light fittings, safety helmets, cycle
and motor cycle mudguards, refrigerator components.
Synthesis of Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE)
It is obtained by polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene in presence of catalyst benzoyl
peroxide.
Properties
1) It has high molecular weight.
2) It has low coefficient of friction.
3) It has low chemical reactivity.
4) It is resistance to water, alcohol.
5) It is harder and stronger than the other polymers.
Applications
1) It is used in containers and pipework for reactive and
corrosive chemicals.
2) It is used as an insulating material for motor, transformers,
cables, wires etc.
3) It is used for making gaskets, tank linings, packings.
4) It is commonly used as a graft material in surgical
interventions.
Synthesis of Polystyrene (PS)
It is prepared by polymerization of styrene in presence of catalyst benzoyl peroxide.
Properties
1) It is transparent, hard and brittle.
2) It has low melting point.
3) It is a very good electrical insulator.
4) It has excellent optical clarity.
5) It has good chemical resistance to diluted acids and bases.
6) It can be easily moulded.
Applications
1) It is used in food packing, optical, electronic, medical and
automotive parts.
2) It is used for making the products like dining utensils, plastic
cups, housewares, toys, CD cases, cosmetic containers, covers and
fixtures.
3) It is used for making battery cases, refrigerator parts etc.
Synthesis of phenol formaldehyde (Bakelite)
It is prepared by polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde in presence of
acidic or alkaline catalyst.
Properties
1) It is hard, rigid, non-flexible and brittle.
2) It is resistant to heat, scratches and destructive solvents.
3) It is resistant to electricity.
4) It can withstand very high temperature.
Applications
1) It is used for making, radio, telephone casings, plugs, switch boards etc.
2) It is used for making sheets, rods and tubes.
3) It is used as an adhesive.
4) For impregnating fabrics, wood and paper.
5) For making bearings, used in propeller shafts for paper industry and rolling mills.
Synthesis of epoxy resin
It is prepared by condensation of bis-phenol A and epichlorohydrin in
presence of alkaline catalyst.
Properties
1) It is highly resistant to water, acids, bases and solvents.
2) It has excellent adhesion property.
3) Epoxy resin is thermosetting resin characterised by
toughness, adhesion, corrosion resistance.
Applications
1) It is used for metal coatings, used in electrical and
electronic components / LED, high tension electrical insulators.
2) It is used in industrial floorings, adhesives and solders.
3) Moulds made from epoxy resins used for the production of
components for aircrafts and automobiles.
4) It is used for surface coatings and gas storage vessels.
Sr.No. Addition polymerization Condensation polymerization
1. It is a process in which the monomers of It is a process in which the monomers of
same types undergo repeated addition different types joined together by
to form long chain polymer without condensation forming a large polymer
elimination of simple molecules like with the elimination of simple
H2O , HCl etc. molecules like H2O, HCl, NH3 etc.
2. For addition polymerization, monomer For Condensation polymerization, the
should contain at least one C=C double monomer should contain more than one
bond. functional group so as to enable
intermolecular reaction.
3. Plastics obtained by addition Plastics obtained by condensation
polymerization have of linear long chain polymerization have of three
structure. dimensional network structures.
4. Plastics obtained by addition Plastics obtained by condensation
polymerization are joined by weak polymerization are joined by strong
covalent bond. covalent bonds.
5. Plastics obtained by addition Plastics obtained by condensation
polymerization are soluble in organic polymerization are insoluble in organic
solvents. solvents.
6. For example: Formation of polyethylene For example: Formation of Bakelite from
(Polythene) from ethylene. phenol and formaldehyde.
Rubber is often processed with heat and sulfur
during production to improve its physical properties.
A process known as vulcanization, it makes the
rubber stronger as well as more elastic. From tires
and footwear to keypads and gaskets, countless
products are made of vulcanized rubber. Vulcanized
rubber is any type of rubber that’s been hardened
through the use of heat and sulfur. It’s made via a
curing process in which the rubber’s elastomers
harden in response to heat and sulfur. Exposure to
heat and sulfur creates new cross-links in the rubber
that, ultimately, makes the rubber stronger and more
VULCANISATION OF RUBBERS
Vulcanization of rubber is the process of converting
natural rubber to more strong and elastic form.
Vulcanization is a chemical process in which the
rubber is mixed with 3 to 5% sulphur,
accelerator and activator heated at 140–160°C.
The process involves the formation of cross-links
between long rubber molecules so as to achieve
improved elasticity, tensile strength, viscosity,
hardness and weather resistance .
VULCANISATION OF RUBBER
REACTION
