MODULE 3

CO3 Explain various engineering materials for domestic and industrial applications
M3.02 Classify the types of polymers and its applications in daily life.
Syllabus

Polymers – monomer, polymerization, classification- homo and copolymers, addition and

condensation polymer, common polymers – polythene, PVC, Nylon-66 and Bakelite -
monomers and uses, thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics- with one example each.
Natural rubber, vulcanization of rubber, properties of vulcanized rubber. Synthetic
rubberBuna S, Buna-N – Monomers

POLYMER

The word ‘polymer’ is coined from two Greek words: poly means many and mer means unit
or part. The term polymer is defined as a very large molecule having high molecular mass,
which are formed by joining of repeating structural units on a large scale. The repeating
structural units are derived from some simple and reactive molecules known as monomers
and are linked to each other by covalent bonds.

Polymerisation: The process of formation of polymers from respective monomers is called

polymerisation.

Examples

1. Polyethene formed from ethylene monomers

2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formed from vinyl chloride monomers

1 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS

I) Based on source polymers are classified into three.

a) Natural polymers: Polymers which are found in nature, i.e; in plants and animals.
Examples: Cellulose, Natural Rubber, Starch, Proteins
b) Synthetic polymers: These are man made polymers
Examples: Polythene, Polypropene, PVC, Teflon, Buna-S, Buna-N
c) Semisynthetic polymers: Polymers which are derived from natural polymers by
chemical modification.
Example: Cellulose acetate, Cellulose nitrate (gun cotton)

II) Based on the nature of monomers, polymers are classified into two.
a) Homopolymer: Polymer which is made up of only one type of monomers.

Examples

1. Polyethene formed from ethylene monomers

2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formed from vinyl chloride monomers

2 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

b) Co-Polymer: Polymer which is made up of two or more types of monomers.
Examples:
1. Buna-S formed from 1,3-Butadiene and Styrene

2. Nylon 6,6 formed from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid

III) Based on the mode of synthesis, polymers are classified into two.

a) Addition polymers: The addition polymers are formed by the repeated addition of
monomer molecules possessing double or triple bonds. In these polymers, the
molecular formula of the repeating unit is the same as that of the monomer.

Examples

1. Polyethene formed from ethylene monomers

2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formed from vinyl chloride monomers

3 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

b) Condensation Polymers: The condensation polymers are formed by repeated
condensation reaction between two different bi-functional or tri-functional
monomeric units. In these polymerisation reactions, the elimination of small
molecules such as water, alcohol, hydrogen chloride, etc. take place. In these
polymers, the molecular formula of the repeating unit is not the same as that of the
monomer.
Examples
1. Nylon 6,6 formed from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid

2. Terylene (Dacron) formed from Terephthalic acid and Ethylene glycol

4 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

Differences between addition polymers and condensation polymers

ADDITION POLYMERS CONDENSATION POLYMERS

Formed by repeated addition of monomers Formed by repeated condensation of two
containing double bond or triple bond different bi-functional or tri-functional
monomers
No elimination of small molecules Elimination of small molecules such as
water, alcohol, HCl etc. take place
Molecular formula of the repeating unit of Molecular formula of the repeating unit of
the polymer is the same as that of the the polymer is not the same as that of the
monomer monomer
Formed by chain growth polymerisation Formed by step growth polymerisation
Examples: Polythene, PVC Examples: Nylon 6,6 , Terylene

PLASTICS

Plastics are polymers with the capability of being moulded or shaped. The name
"plastic" refers to the property of plasticity, the ability to deform without breaking.
The word, plastic, was derived from the word ‘Plastikos’ meaning ‘to mould’ in Greek.

THERMOPLASTICS AND THERMOSETTING PLASTICS

Based on the behaviour when heated, plastics are classified into two, thermoplastics
and thermosetting plastics.
Thermo plastics
The polymers which can be repeatedly made soft and hard by heating and
cooling are called thermoplastics. These polymers possess intermolecular forces of
attraction intermediate between elastomers and fibres. These are linear or slightly
branched polymers. They can be remoulded.
Examples: Polythene, PVC, Polystyrene
Thermosetting plastics
These are cross linked or heavily branched polymers, which on heating undergo
extensive cross linking in moulds and again become infusible. They can be moulded
only once. They cannot be reused.
Examples: Bakelite, urea-formaldehyde resin

5 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

 Differences between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics
Thermoplastics Thermosetting plastics
Formed by addition polymerisation Formed by condensation polymerisation
Linear structure Three-dimensional network structure
It becomes soft on heating and hard on Does not become soft on heating
cooling
Soft, weak and less brittle Hard, strong and more brittle
Soluble in organic solvents Insoluble in organic solvents
It can be remoulded It cannot be remoulded
Recyclable plastics Non-recyclable plastics
Examples: Polythene, PVC Examples: Bakelite, Urea-formaldehyde
resins

NATURAL RUBBER
Rubber is a natural polymer and possesses elastic properties. It is manufactured from
rubber latex which is a colloidal dispersion of rubber in water. This latex is obtained
from the bark of rubber tree. Natural rubber may be considered as a linear polymer
of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene).

Limitations of Natural rubber

 Natural rubber becomes soft at high temperature (above 335 K) and brittle at low
temperatures (below 280K)
 Shows high water absorption capacity
 Soluble in non-polar solvents
 Non-resistant to attack of oxidising agents
In order to overcome these limitations, vulcanisation is carried out.

6 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

 VULCANISATION
The process of heating natural rubber with sulphur in presence of ZnO at a
temperature range between 373 K to 415 K is called vulcanization. On vulcanization,
sulphur forms cross links at the reactive sites of double bonds and thus the rubber
gets stiffened. These cross links make the rubber hard, strong and remove the
tackiness of rubber. The extend of hardness depends on the amount of rubber added.
Differences between natural rubber and vulcanised rubber

Natural Rubber Vulcanised Rubber

Soft Hard

Less elastic More elastic

Non-heat resistance More heat resistance

Low melting point High melting point

Easily oxidised Resist oxidation

Merits of Vulcanisation

1. Vulcanisation increases tensile strength, elasticity and extensibility.

2. Vulcanised rubber possesses low water absorption tendency.
3. Vulcanised rubber has higher resistance to oxidation, abrasion and wear and tear.
4. Vulcanised rubber is a better electrical insulator.
5. It increases resistance to organic solvents, fats and oils.
6. It makes rubber less sensitive to temperature changes.

SYNTHETIC RUBBER

A synthetic rubber is a man-made rubber like polymer which possesses elastomeric

properties. The monomers are usually obtained from petroleum. Synthetic rubber also
has many industrial applications similar to natural rubber; in the field of the automotive
industry for tires, hoses, belts, flooring, doors, and windows.

Examples: Neoprene, Buna-S, Buna-N

7 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

Synthetic rubber Monomers Uses

Buna – S 1.3-Butadiene and Styrene 1. For making tyres

2. For making rubber tubes and
hoses
3. Conveyer belts
4. Shoe heals and foot wares

Buna – N 1,3-Butadiene and Acrylonitrile 1. For making oil seals

2. Manufacture of hoses
3. For tank linings

COMMON POLYMERS- MONOMERS AND USES.

Polymer Monomer Uses

1 Polythene Ethene 1. As packing material.
2. In the manufacture of bottles,
toys etc.
3. As insulation for electric wires

2 PVC Vinyl chloride 1. For making pipes

(Polyvinyl 2. For roofing and flooring
chloride) 3. For making rain coats and bags
4. For cable insulation

8 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala

3 Nylon 6,6 Hexamethylene diamine and 1. Fabrics, Ropes and nets
Adipic acid 2. Threads in the bristles for tooth
brushes
3. Carpets
4. Parachutes
5. Water proof swim suites

4 Bakelite. Phenol and Formaldehyde 1. For making electrical switches

2. Handles of utensils
3. combs
HCHO
4. Jewelry
Formaldehyde 5. Radio cabinets

9 Chemistry Notes, GPC Cherthala