National Textile University

Name : TALHA AMJAD

Class : Weaving -2

Semester : 2nd

Subject: Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering

Date of submission : 25-March-2024

Submitted to : Mr. Faizan

Contents
1. Polymerization and its types: ....................................................................................................................................... 2
 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
 Types ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
 Addition Polymerization: .................................................................................................................................... 2
 Condensation Polymerization: ............................................................................................................................ 2
2. Polymers are replacing conventional materials: ........................................................................................................... 2
 Packaging: ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
 Construction: .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
 Automotive: ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
 Textiles: .................................................................................................................................................................. 4
 5. Electronics: .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
 6. Medical: .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
 7. Consumer Goods: ................................................................................................................................................ 6
3. Applications of polymers in textiles: ............................................................................................................................ 6
 Synthetic Fibers:...................................................................................................................................................... 6
 Polyester:............................................................................................................................................................ 6
 Nylon .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
 Acrylic: ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
 Polypropylene:.................................................................................................................................................... 7
 Blending: ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
 Performance Textiles: ............................................................................................................................................. 8
 Waterproof and Water-Repellent Fabrics: .......................................................................................................... 8
 Breathable Fabrics: ............................................................................................................................................. 9
 Fire-Resistant Fabrics: ......................................................................................................................................... 9
 Nonwovens: .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
 Smart Textiles: ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
4. References: ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
 Principles of Polymerization" by George Odian. .................................................................................................... 11
 Processing, Applications, and Regulations" by Susan E.M. Selke and Alan J. Paine Properties .............................. 11
 Textile Fibre Composites in Civil Engineering ........................................................................................................ 11
 An Introduction to Materials in Medicine ............................................................................................................. 11
 Handbook of Technical Textiles" edited by A. Richard Horrocks and Subhash C. Anand. ...................................... 11
 "Synthetic Fibers: Machines and Equipment, Manufacture, Properties ................................................................ 11

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1. Polymerization and its types:
 Introduction
Polymerization is the process by which monomers, small molecules with reactive functional
groups, combine to form long chains or networks called polymers. This process can occur
through different mechanisms, including addition polymerization and condensation
polymerization.

 Types
 Addition Polymerization:
o In this process, monomers react with each other to form polymers without the
elimination of any byproducts. It typically involves unsaturated monomers (those
containing double or triple bonds). The reaction proceeds through the successive addition
of monomers to the growing polymer chain.
 Condensation Polymerization:
o In condensation polymerization, monomers react with each other, often in pairs, leading
to the formation of polymers along with the release of small molecules such as water,
alcohol, or hydrogen chloride as byproducts. This process involves the formation of
covalent bonds between monomers with the elimination of a small molecule.

2. Polymers are replacing conventional materials:

 Packaging:
 Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are widely
used in packaging due to their excellent barrier properties, lightweight nature, and cost-
effectiveness.

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  These polymers offer advantages such as flexibility, transparency, and resistance to
moisture, chemicals, and microbial contamination.
 They replace traditional packaging materials like glass, metal, and paper, offering improved
shelf life, reduced transportation costs, and increased convenience for consumers.

 Construction:
 **Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)**, **polycarbonate (PC)**, and **acrylics** find applications in
construction due to their durability, weather resistance, and design flexibility.
 PVC is used in pipes, window frames, and flooring, offering corrosion resistance and low
maintenance compared to metal and wood.
 Polycarbonate and acrylics are used in roofing, skylights, and architectural panels due to
their transparency, impact resistance, and UV stability, replacing glass and traditional
building materials.

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 Automotive:
 Engineering plastics such as **acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)**, **polyamide
(PA)**, and **polycarbonate (PC)** are increasingly used in automotive components.
 These polymers offer lightweight alternatives to metals, reducing vehicle weight and
improving fuel efficiency.
 They provide design flexibility, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them
suitable for interior and exterior parts, including bumpers, dashboards, and light
housings.

 Textiles:
 Synthetic fibers like **polyester**, **nylon**, and **acrylics** are extensively used in
textiles due to their strength, durability, and moisture-wicking properties.
 These fibers offer advantages such as wrinkle resistance, colorfastness, and ease of care,
replacing natural fibers like cotton and wool in many applications.
 They are used in clothing, upholstery, carpets, and technical textiles for various industries.

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 5. Electronics:
 Polymers play vital roles in electronics for insulation, protection, and encapsulation of
components.
 **Epoxy resins** are used in circuit boards and encapsulants due to their excellent
electrical insulation properties and adhesion to substrates.
 **Polyimides** are used in flexible circuits, displays, and thermal insulation due to their
high heat resistance and mechanical flexibility.
 **Silicone elastomers** are used in seals, gaskets, and shock absorbers due to their
elasticity, thermal stability, and resistance to environmental factors.

 6. Medical:
 Biocompatible polymers such as **polyethylene glycol (PEG)**, **polylactic acid (PLA)**,
and **poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)** are used in medical applications.
 They are used in implants, sutures, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds
due to their biodegradability, mechanical properties, and compatibility with biological
systems.
 These polymers offer advantages such as controlled release of drugs, reduced risk of
infection, and minimally invasive procedures compared to conventional materials.

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  7. Consumer Goods:
 Polymers are ubiquitous in consumer goods, offering versatility, affordability, and ease of
processing.
 They are used in furniture, appliances, toys, and household products for their lightweight
nature, durability, and aesthetics.
 Examples include polypropylene chairs, polystyrene packaging, acrylic displays, and
polyethylene bottles, replacing traditional materials like wood, metal, and glass in many
applications.

3. Applications of polymers in textiles:

 Synthetic Fibers:
Polymers are the foundation of synthetic fibers, which are widely used in textile manufacturing.
Common synthetic fibers include:

 Polyester: Known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and quick drying properties,
polyester is used in a variety of textile applications including clothing, upholstery, and
industrial fabrics.

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  Nylon: Nylon fibers are strong, elastic, and abrasion-resistant, making them suitable for
use in activewear, hosiery, carpets, and industrial applications such as ropes and tire
cords.

 Acrylic: Acrylic fibers offer softness, warmth, and colorfastness, making them popular for
use in knitwear, blankets, and outdoor fabrics.

 Polypropylene: Polypropylene fibers are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and resistant to

bacteria and mildew, making them suitable for applications such as outdoor clothing,
sportswear, and medical textiles.

 Blending:
Polymers can be blended with natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk to enhance the properties
of the resulting textiles. Blending polymers with natural fibers can improve strength, durability, and
wrinkle resistance while maintaining the natural feel and breathability of the fabric.

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 Performance Textiles:
Polymers are used to create performance textiles with specialized properties tailored to specific
applications. For example:

 Waterproof and Water-Repellent Fabrics: Polymers such as polyurethane (PU) and

fluoropolymers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are used to create fabrics with
waterproof or water-repellent coatings for outdoor clothing, rainwear, and sportswear.

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 Breathable Fabrics: Microporous membranes made from polymers like expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are used in breathable textiles for outdoor clothing,
activewear, and medical garments.

 Fire-Resistant Fabrics: Polymers such as modacrylic and aramid fibers are used to create
textiles with flame-retardant properties for protective clothing worn by firefighters,
industrial workers, and military personnel.

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 Nonwovens:
Polymers are used to produce nonwoven fabrics through processes such as meltblowing,
spunbonding, and needle punching. Nonwovens are used in a wide range of applications including
disposable hygiene products (such as diapers and feminine hygiene products), medical textiles,
filtration media, and automotive interiors.

 Smart Textiles:
Polymers are incorporated into smart textiles to enable functionalities such as moisture
management, temperature regulation, and sensing capabilities. Conductive polymers and polymer

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 composites are used to create fabrics with integrated sensors, actuators, and electronic components
for applications such as wearable technology, medical monitoring, and sports performance analysis.

4. References:
 Principles of Polymerization" by George Odian.
 Processing, Applications, and Regulations" by Susan E.M. Selke and Alan J. Paine
Properties
 "Polymer Science and Technology for Engineers and Scientists" by Peter A. Lovell,

 Textile Fibre Composites in Civil Engineering

 An Introduction to Materials in Medicine
 Handbook of Technical Textiles" edited by A. Richard Horrocks and Subhash C. Anand.
 "Synthetic Fibers: Machines and Equipment, Manufacture, Properties

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