polymeric materials

1. The meaning of polymer and polymerization

The polymer comes from the words poly = lots and meros = parts. Polymers are large molecules that
usually have high molecular weight, built from repeating units. Pilier forming reaction is called
polymerization.

Polymers are classified into two types, namely natural polymers (such as starch, cellulose, and silk) and
synthetic polymers (such as vinyl polymers)

Polymers by type of constituent: Homopolymers, which are polymers composed of one type of
monomer. example: polyethylene (ethene), polypropylene (propene), polystyrene (styrene).
Copolymers, which are polymers composed of two or more types of monomers. Example: nylon 6.6.
dacron, SBR (styrene + butadiene).

2. Polymerization Reactions

Polymerization reactions are distinguished by: 1. Addition polymerization Addition polymerization

occurs when the monomer molecules become part of the polymer without atomic loss, ie the chemical
composition of the resulting chain is equal to the number of chemical compositions of the monomers
that make it up. Therefore, during addition polymerization no side products are produced.

Example of addition polymerization reaction: Formation of polyethylene (PE) from ethene. Formation of
PVC from vinyl chloride. Formation of polyisoprene from isoprene.

2. Condensation polymerization

Condensation polymerization is a combination of monomers with chemical reactions that occur

between two different functional groups of each monomer. This polymerization occurs in monomers,
each of which has at least two reactive functional groups. Examples of condensation polymerization
reactions: a. Formation of polyester: PET from dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol

Condensation Polymerization is divided into two namely: Chain Growth Polymerization and Stage
Growth Polymerization.

Chain Growth Polymerization In chain growth polymerization, monomers become part of the chain "one
at a time". First dimers are formed, then trimers, then tetramers, dil. In this way, the chains are
increased one at a time or, more precisely, from monomers to monomers. An example of chain growth
polymerization would be anionic polymerization (by forming carbo-anions) from Stirena, to obtain
Polystyrene (PS): Gradual growth polymerization. In a step or stepwise growth polymerization, it is
possible for oligomers to react with others, for example dimers with trimers, tetramers with dimers,
dils, Schinggs increased by more than one monomer.
An example of gradual growth polymerization is the reaction between two monomers, terephtoyl
chloride and ethylene glycol, to form a polyester called poly (ethylene terephthalate) or better known as
PET.

4.3. Types of polymers by their nature 1. Thermoplasts Thermoplasts are types of polymers that soften
when heated, and can be reprinted into other forms. This property is caused by the thermoplast
structure consisting of long chains with weak intermolecular interaction forces. Other properties of
thermoplasts are light, strong and transparent. Examples of thermoplasts are polyethylene,
polypropylene, PET, and PVC. 2. Thermoset is a polymer that has a permanent shape and does not
become soft when heated. This property is caused by the large number of strong covalent bonds
between molecular chains. Warming the thermoset at too high a temperature can break the bonds and
even make the thermoset burn. Examples of thermosets are bakelite and melamine.

4. Types of Plastics

1. PVC or PolyVinyl Chloride. The molecular formula is (-CH2-CHCI-) n. Trait: strong, clear (translucent),
difficult to recycle. This type is not for food packaging because it contains PVC or DEHA which is
dangerous for the Kidney and Liver.

Function: Plastic and Plastic bottles, blood bags, on traffic signs, cooking oil bottles, electric cables, glass
cleaning bottles, toys, shampoo bottles, water pipes, wrinkle packaging, and fast food packaging. 2. 2.
PET or PolyEthy lene Terephthalate. The polyester resin's density is about 1.35 -1.38 gram / cc, this
makes it sturdy, its molecular formula is (-CO-C6HS-CO-O-CH2-CH2-0-) n. Properties: durable, strong,
lightweight and easily formed when hot. can only be used once. If it is used repeatedly, mainly storing
hot water, the melelch bottle polymer layer emits a carcinogenic substance and can cause cancer. , and
even coffee cup 3. LDPE or Low Density Poly Ethylene. From petroleum, and the molecular formula is (-
CH2- CH2-) n. Properties: Types of plastics that can be recycled and are easily formed when hot, resins
that are hard, strong and do not react to other chemicals, are probably the highest-quality plastics.
Function: for beverage and food containers, plastic bags, bottles, storage boxes, toys, computer
equipment and printed containers. 4. HDPE or High Density Poly Ethylene. Rresin are tough, strong and
stiff from oil, which are often formed by blowing it. The molecular formula is (-CH2-CH2-) n. Properties:
Types of Plastics that are Safe when compared to Types of PET Plastics because they have high
temperature resistant properties. However, this type of plastic is recommended not to be used
repeatedly. Function: Milk-white milk bottles, Tupperware, Gallon bottles of drinking water, etc., kettles,
detergent bottles, medicine bottles, machine oil bottles, shampoo bottles, juice bottles, liquid soap
bottles, coffee packaging and baby soap bottles.

5. PS or PolyStyrene. polymer plastic whose molecular formula is (-CHC6HS-CH2-) n. Properties: clear as

glass, easily formed when heated, Very rigid at room temperature Contains ingredients Styrine which is
dangerous for brain health, disrupts the hormone estrogen in women which results in reproductive
problems and nervous system. Function: CDs, plastic utensils, CD boxes, plastic cups, food containers
and trays. 4.5. Natural Polymers Polymers are giant molecules with molar masses ranging from
thousands to millions. Polymers are found in nature. Natural polymers are polymers formed by natural
condensation reactions. Examples of natural polymers are: - Natural rubber derived from rubber tree
sap with the monomer is isoprene Proteins are composed of amino acid cellulose monomers including
polysaccharides with cellobiose monomers and d-glucose starch or starch including polysaccharides with
d-glucose monomers. Glycogen, including polysaccharides with d-glucose monomers, Chitin is found in
many fungal cell walls and the skeletal base compilers of animal scraps and shellfish. Nucleic acids
consist of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Wool of silk wool from silkworm
cocoons with fatty acid monomers. For example, fats from animals such as saturated fats and fats from
plants such as corn oil are called unsaturated fats.

4.5. The problem of plastic waste in Indonesia Based on the results of research conducted, in 2010
there were 275 million tons of plastic waste produced worldwide. Around 4.8-12.7 million tons of them
are wasted and polluting the sea.

plastic pollution in Indonesia is expected to continue to increase. Currently, the beverage industry in
Indonesia is one of the fastest growing indicators. In the first quarter of 1919, the growth of the
beverage processing industry reached 24.2% on an annual basis (YoY), only losing to the apparel
industry.