Some Common Addition Polymers

Name(s) Formula Monomer Properties Uses

Polyethylene ethylene film wrap, plastic
–(CH2-CH2)n– soft, waxy solid
low density (LDPE) CH2=CH2 bags
electrical
Polyethylene ethylene rigid, translucent
–(CH2-CH2)n– insulation
high density (HDPE) CH2=CH2 solid
bottles, toys
atactic: soft, elastic
Polypropylene –[CH2- propylene solid similar to LDPE
(PP) different grades CH(CH3)]n– CH2=CHCH3 isotactic: hard, carpet, upholstery
strong solid
Poly(vinyl chloride) –(CH2- vinyl chloride pipes, siding,
strong rigid solid
(PVC) CHCl)n– CH2=CHCl flooring
Poly(vinylidene vinylidene
dense, high-melting
chloride) –(CH2-CCl2)n– chloride seat covers, films
solid
(Saran A) CH2=CCl2
hard, rigid, clear
toys, cabinets
Polystyrene –[CH2- styrene solid
packaging
(PS) CH(C6H5)]n– CH2=CHC6H5 soluble in organic
(foamed)
solvents
high-melting solid
Polyacrylonitrile –(CH2- acrylonitrile rugs, blankets
soluble in organic
(PAN, Orlon, Acrilan) CHCN)n– CH2=CHCN clothing
solvents
Polytetrafluoroethy tetrafluoroethyle non-stick surfaces
resistant, smooth
lene –(CF2-CF2)n– ne electrical
solid
(PTFE, Teflon) CF2=CF2 insulation
Poly(methyl methyl
–[CH2- lighting covers,
methacrylate) methacrylate hard, transparent
C(CH3)CO2C signs
(PMMA, Lucite, CH2=C(CH3)CO2 solid
H 3 ]n – skylights
Plexiglas) CH3
–(CH2- vinyl acetate
Poly(vinyl acetate) latex paints,
CHOCOCH3)n CH2=CHOCOC soft, sticky solid
(PVAc) adhesives
– H3
–[CH2- isoprene requires
cis-Polyisoprene
CH=C(CH3)- CH2=CH- soft, sticky solid vulcanization
natural rubber
CH2]n– C(CH3)=CH2 for practical use
Polychloroprene (ci –[CH2- chloroprene
synthetic rubber
s + trans) CH=CCl- CH2=CH- tough, rubbery solid
oil resistant
(Neoprene) CH2]n– CCl=CH2