POLYMER

Brief Description:-

Polymers are substances whose molecules have high molecular weight and are
composed of a large number of repeating units. There are both naturally occurring and
synthetic polymers.

Among naturally occurring polymers are proteins, starches, cellulose, and latex.
Synthetic polymers are produced commercially on a very large scale and have a wide range
of properties and uses. The materials commonly called plastics are all synthetic polymers.
Polymers are formed by chemical reactions in which a large number of molecules called
monomers are joined sequentially, forming a chain. In many polymers, only one monomer is
used. In others, two or three different monomers may be combined. Polymers are classified
by the characteristics of the reactions by which they are formed.

If all atoms in the monomers are incorporated into the polymer, the polymer is called
an addition polymer. If some of the atoms of the monomers are released into small
molecules, such as water, the polymer is called a condensation polymer. Most addition
polymers are made from monomers containing a double bond between carbon atoms. Such
monomers are called olefins, and most commercial addition polymers are polyolefin.
Condensation polymers are made from monomers that have two different groups of atoms
which can join together to form, for example, ester or amide links.
Aim of Micro project:-

Collect the samples of different polymers & list their uses.

Types of Polymers:-

A) Thermoplastics:-

e.g. i) Polyethylene

ii) Polystyrene

iii) poly vinyl chloride (PVC)

iv) Poly tetra fluroethylene (Teflon)

B) Thermosetting Plastics:-

e.g. i) Polyamide (Nylon)

ii) Polyesters

iii) Phenol formaldehyde (Bakelite)

iv) Epoxy Resin

v) Cellulose acetate

Couse Outcome:-

Use the relevant engineering material in industries.

Polymerization –

The process in which large number of monomers linking together to form large
molecule i.e. polymer in presence of temperature, pressure, & catalyst is called as
polymerization.

The polymers are formed by two types of polymerization reactions.

1) Addition polymerization 2) Condensation Polymerization

Types of Polymer / Plastic :-

Polymers are mainly classified in two groups.

A) Thermoplastic (Addition polymer)

B) Thermosetting Plastic (condensation polymer)

A) Thermoplastic :- (Addition polymer)

These are formed by addition polymerization. As they becomes soften on
heating and harden on cooling without appreciable changes in properties hence it is
called as thermoplastics.

Properties:-

1) These plastic are formed by addition polymerization

2) They have linear long chain structure hence also called as linear polymer.
3) Their intermolecular bond are weak
4) These plastics are soft, weak & less brittle.
5) Thermoplastic are soluble in organic solvent.
6) It can be reshaped & reused.
Examples of Thermoplastic with their application:-
B) Thermosetting plastic:-
These are formed by condensation polymerization. They become
permanently hard & rigid. After heating they do not become soft again.

Properties:-

1) These plastic are formed by condensation polymerization

2) They have cross linked structure hence also called as cross linked polymer.
3) Their intermolecular bonds are strong.
4) These plastic are hard, strong & more brittle.
5) Thermoplastic are soluble inorganic solvent.
6) It can be not be reshaped & reused.
Examples of Thermosetting plastic with their application:-
Learning Outcome:-

Properties & uses of given polymer, elastomer & adhesives

References:-

1) Engineering Chemistry by Jain & Jain—Dhanpat Rai & sons, New Delhi, 2015
2) Engineering Chemistry by Dara S.S. – S. Chand publication, New Delhi, 2013

Learning Websites:-

1) www. Chemcollective.org
2) www. Chemistryteaching.com
3) www. Chem1. Com
4) www. Science.howstuffworks.com
5) google searching
6) youtube