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Module-7
• Difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting
plastics; Engineering applications of plastics - ABS, PVC,
PTFE and Bakelite (1 hour)

• Different molding processes - Injection molding (Car

parts/ bottle caps), Extrusion molding (Pipes/ Hoses),
Compression molding (Mobile Phone Cases/ Battery
Trays), Transfer molding (Fibre reinforced polymer matrix
composites) and blow molding (PET bottles) (2 hours)

• Conducting polymers- Polyacetylene- Mechanism of

conduction – applications (polymers in sensors, self-
cleaning windows) (1 hour)

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 Basic terms in polymer science

Polymer : Polymers are complex and giant molecules which are

made from joining a large number of small and simple molecules
by primary valency linkage.

Monomer : The individual small and simple molecules from which

the polymer is formed are known as monomer.

Polymerization : The process by which the monomer molecules

are linked to form a big polymer molecule is called polymerization.

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Functionality: The number of bonding sites or active sites in a
monomer is called its functionality.

Degree of polymerization : The number of monomers forming the

polymer chain are called its degree of polymerization

Tacticity : The spatial arrangement of pendent groups of successive

stereocenters (asymmetric carbon) in the main chain is called its
tacticity.

Isotactic Polymer Syndiotactic Polymer

Atactic Polymer 4
 Classification
• One classification divides polymers in to condensation and
addition polymers and the other divides them in to step and
chain growth polymers.

• Depending on their origin polymers are classified into natural

and synthetic polymers.

• Depending on kind of atoms constituting backbone of the

polymer they are classified as organic and inorganic
polymers.

• Depending upon their ultimate use polymers are classified into

plastics, elastomers, fibres and liquid resins.

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• A polymer which can be reshaped into hard and tough utility articles by
applying heat, pressure or both is said to be a plastics.
Examples : Polystyrene, Poly(vinyl chloride), Poly(methyl methacrylate),
polyester etc.

• A polymer which can show good strength and elongation upon

vulcanization is called an elastomer.
Examples polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, etc.

• A polymer which can be drawn into log filament like material whose
length is at least 100 times at its diameter is called a fibre.
Examples nylon, terylene, polyester, polyacrylonitrile, etc.

• A polymer used as adhesives, potting compounds, sealants etc in a

liquid form is called as liquid resin.
Examples epoxy adhesives, poly sulphides, sealants, etc.
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Depending on the number of kinds of monomer used in
polymerization they are classified into homopolymer and copolymer.

Homopolymers are one in which only one kind of monomer is used

to prepare the polymer during polymerization.
Examples: polystyrene, polyacrylamide, etc.

Copolymer is one in which more than one kind of monomers are used
to prepare the polymer during polymerization.
Examples: poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate), poly(styrene-co--
butadiene).

Further homopolymers are sub classified into linear, branched and

crosslinked polymer based on their chain configuration (i.e.
depending on their structure). 7
Thermoplastic 8
 Thermoplastic Thermosetting
They are formed by addition polymerization They are formed by condensation
only. polymerization.
They consist of long chain linear polymers They have three dimensional network
with negligible cross-links. structures, joined by strong covalent bonds.

They soften on heating readily because The cross-links and bonds retain their
secondary forces between the individual strength on heating and hence, they do not
chain can break easily by heat or pressure. soften on heating on prolonged heating
charring of polymers is caused.
By re-heating to a suitable temperature, they They retain their shape and structure even on
can be softened, reshaped and thus reversed. heating. Hence they cannot be reshaped and
reversed.

They are usually soft, weak and less brittle. They are usually, hand, strong and more
brittle.
These can be reclaimed from wastes. They cannot be reclaimed from wastes.

They are usually soluble in some organic Due to storing bonds and crosslinking they
solvents. are insoluble in almost all organic solvents.

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 Engineering Applications of Polymers
• Engineering applications of plastics - ABS,
PVC, PTFE and Bakelite

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ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadine-Styrene)

This material is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile,

butadine and styrene.
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 ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadine-Styrene)
• ADVANTAGES:
• Good impact resistance with toughness and rigidity
• Metal coatings have excellent adhesion to ABS
• Formed by conventional thermoplastic methods
• A light-weight plastic
DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS:
• Poor solvent resistance
• Low dielectric strength
• Only low elongations available
• Low continuous service temperature
TYPICAL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS:
• Automotive hardware (used in electroplated metal coatings for
decorative hardware), appliance cases, pipe, plated items.

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 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Polymerisation )
- CH2 - CH )
-
n Cl n
Vinylchloride Cl
Polyvinylchloride

Properties:
1.PVC is colourless, odourless and chemically inert powder
2. It is insoluble in inorganic acids and alkalis, but soluble in hot chlorinated
hydrocarbons.
3. It undergoes degradation in presence of heat (or) light.

Applications: A variety of applications in the building and construction, health

care, electronics, automobile and other sectors, in products ranging from
piping, cable insulations, table covers and rain-coasts and siding, blood bags
and tubing, to wire and cable insulation, windshield system components,
tank-linings, light fittings, refrigerator components and more.
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PTFE ( Polytetrafluoroethylene) or Teflon

• The major applications of PTFE are found as wiring in aerospace and computer
applications (e.g. hookup wire, coaxial cables, printed circuit boards) due to its
excellent dielectric properties.
• A high-performance substitute for the weaker and lower-melting-point polymers
because of its high melting temperature.
• Owing to its low friction, PTFE is used industrially for plain bearings, gears, seals,
gaskets, and more applications.
• This is an ideal material for fabricating long-life electrets (a permanently polarized
piece of dielectric material), the electrostatic analogues of permanent magnets based
on its high bulk resistivity.
• PTFE film is also widely used in the production of carbon fiber composites as well
as fiberglass composites, notably in the aerospace industry..
• PTFE is used in some aerosol lubricant sprays, and also in coating non-stick frying
pans due to its high heat resistance and hydrophobic nature.

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 Bakelite
OH OH
OH

CH2 CH2

CH2
CH2 CH2

Cooker with Bakelite Handles

CH2 CH2

OH OH
OH

Bakelite
n

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 Properties and Applications of Bakelite

Properties

1. Bakelite is resistant to acids, salts and most organic solvents, but

it is attacked by alkalis because of the presence of –OH groups
2. It possesses excellent electrical insulating property

Applications

1. Bakelite is used as an adhesive in plywood laminations, grinding

wheels etc.
2. It is also widely used in paints, varnishes, decorative articles like
plates, drinking glasses, dishes etc.
3. It is used for making electrical insulator parts like plugs, switches,
heater handles etc.,

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 molding Processes
• Different molding processes - Injection
molding (Car parts/ bottle caps), Extrusion
molding (Pipes/ Hoses), Compression
molding (Mobile Phone Cases/ Battery Trays),
Transfer molding (Fibre reinforced polymer
matrix composites) and blow molding (PET
bottles)

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 molding Processes
This process involves fabrication of plastic material
into desired shape under the influence of heat and
pressure in a closed chamber.

Types of molding:
1. Compression molding
2. Injection molding
3. Transfer molding
4. Extrusion molding
5. Blow molding

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 Compression molding
• This method is applied to both thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics

• Compression Moulding is the first technique developed in the early 1900s to

mould Bakelite (phenolic) moulding compounds.

• Figure shows a typical method used for compression molding.

• The mould is made up of two halves, the upper and the lower halves.

• The lower half usually contains a cavity in the shape of the article to be moulded.

• The upper half has a projection, which fits into the cavity when the mould is
closed.

• The material to be moulded is placed in the cavity of the mould. Then the mould is
closed carefully under low pressure

• Finally the mould is heated to 100-200o C and simultaneously high pressure (100-
500 kg/cm2) is applied on the top of the mould.

• Curing is done either by heating or cooling. After curing the moulded article is
taken out by opening the mould parts.
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Compression molding

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 Injection molding
1. This method is mainly applicable to thermoplastics.
2. The powdered plastics material is fed into a heated cylinder through
they hopper (Fig).
3. The plastic material melts under the influence of heat and becomes
fluid.
4. The hot fluid is injected at a controlled rate into a tightly locked mould
by means of a screw arrangement or by a piston
5. The mould is kept cold to allow the hot plastic to cure and becomes
rigid. After curing the mould is opened and the object is ejected.
6. Telephones, buckets etc., are made by this method.

Advantages

1. Low mould cost

2. Low finishing cost
3. Low loss of materials
4. High speed production
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Injection molding

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Injection molding Machine

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 Extrusion molding
• This method is mainly used for continuous molding
of thermoplastic materials into articles of uniform
cross section like rods, tubes etc.
• In this method, the powdered plastic material is fed
into the heated cylinder through the hopper.
• The molten plastic material is then pushed by means
of a revolving screw conveyor into a die having the
required shape of the object to be manufactured.
The finished product that extrudes out is cooled by
atmospheric air. A long conveyor carries away the
cooled product.

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Extrusion molding

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Extrusion molding Machine

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 Transfer molding
1. This method is used for thermosetting plastics
2. The principle is same as that of the injection molding
3. The powdered molding materials is taken in a heated chamber,
maintained at low temperature, at which the material just begins
to become plastic.
4. This plastic is then injected through an orifice into the mould by a
plunger working at high pressure (Fig)
5. Due to the great friction developed at the orifice during ejection,
the temperature of the material rises to such an extent that the
molding powder becomes almost liquid. So that it flows quickly
and easily into the mould.
6. Then the mould is heated upto the curing temperature required
for setting. Finally the moulded article is ejected from the mould.
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• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCMUCF
XA_Vo

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Transfer molding Machine

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 Advantages of Transfer molding
1. More complicated shapes can be fabricated by
this method
2. Less expensive
3. Blisters can be eliminated
4. Shrinkage and distortion are minimum
5. Very delicate articles can be made by this
method

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 Blow molding for plastic bottles
• Blow molding is the process of forming a molten tube
(preform) of thermoplastic material (polymer or resin) and
placing the preform within a mould cavity and inflating the
tube with compressed air, to take the shape of the cavity and
cool the part before removing from the mould.

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• The major difference between injection molding and blow
molding is the kind of product produced. Typically, blow
molding is designed to produce hollow, singular containers,
such as bottles. On the other hand, injection molding is used
to produce solid pieces, such as plastic products.

• Advantages: Because of lower pressure, the mold costs in this

blow molding are lower as compared to injection molding and
the machinery costs are low as well.

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 Conducting Polymers
• Polyacetylene- Mechanism of conduction –
applications (polymers in sensors, self-
cleaning windows)

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 Conducting Polymers
A conducting polymer is an organic based polymer that can
act as a semiconductor or a conductor.
The most widely studied organic polymers are
Polyacetylene, polyaniline (PANI), polypyrroles,
polythiophenes, and polyphenylene vinylenes.

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Conducting polymers (CPs) are extensively conjugated molecules: they
have alternating single and double bonds. In these molecules,
electrons are able to move from one end of the polymer to the other
through the extended p-orbital system.
Hence CPs are known to be either semiconductors or conductors giving
them unique optical and electrical properties.
Most polymers are poor conductors due to non-availability of large
number of free electrons in the conduction process.
However, conducting polymers are synthesized which possess
electrical Conductivity similar to metal conductors.
Different Types:
(1) Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP)
(2) Doped Conducting polymers
(3) Extrinsically conducting polymers (ECP)
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 Factors that affect the conductivity
1. Density of charge carriers
2. Their mobility
3. The direction
4. Presence of doping materials (additives that
facilitate the polymer conductivity in a better
way)
5. Temperature

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1. Intrinsically Conducting Polymers
Polymer consisting of alternating single and double bonds is
called conjugated double bonds.
In conjugation, the bonds between the carbon atoms are
alternately single and double. Every bond contains a localised
“sigma” (σ) bond which forms a strong chemical bond.
In addition, every double bond also contains a less strongly
localised “pi” (π) bond which is weaker.
Conjugation of sigma and pi-electrons over the entire
backbone, forms valence bands and conduction bands.
Eg: Poly-acetylene polymers like poly-p-phenylene, polyaniline,
polypyrrole

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2. Doped Conducting Polymers
It is obtained by exposing a polymer to a charge transfer agent in either
gas phase or in solution. Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) possess low
conductivity (10-10/Ohm.cm), but they possess low ionisation potential and
high electron affinity. So they can be easily oxidised or reduced.
DOPING:
The conductivity of ICP can be increased by creating positive charges
(oxidation) or by negative charges (reduction) on the polymer backbone. This
technique is called DOPING .
In otherwords….
The polymer structure has to be disturbed - either by removing
electrons from (oxidation), or inserting them into (reduction), the
material. The process is known as Doping.
There are two types of doping:
1. Oxidation with halogen (or p-doping).
2. Reduction with alkali metal (called n-doping). 46
(i) p-Doping:
It involves treating an intrinsically conducting polymer with a
Lewis acid which leads to oxidation process and positive charges
on the polymer backbone are created.
Some of the p-dopants are I2, Br2, AsF5, PF5 etc.

2(C2H2)n + 3I2 2[(C2H2)n+ I3-

polyacetylene Lewis acid

(ii) n-Doping:
It involves treating an ICP with a Lewis base which leads to
reduction process and negative charges on the polymer backbone
are created.
Some of the n-dopants are Li, Na, Ca, FeCl3, naphthylamine etc.
_
…-CH=CH-CH=CH-… + C10H7NH2 …-CH=CH-CH=CH- + C10H8
I
+NH
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Conductivity Mechanism in Polyacetylene:
The mechanism followed by polyacetylene for the transfer of charge from one
chain to another is called intersoliton hopping.
What is a soliton? The soliton is a charged or a neutral defect in the polyacetylene
chain that propagates down the chain, thereby reducing the barrier for
interconversion.
In n-type doping (This can be
done by dipping the film in THF
solution of an alkali metal)
soliton is a resonance-stabilized
polyenyl anion of approximately
29-31 CH units in length, with
highest amplitude at the centre
of the defect.
The solitons (anions) transfer
electrons to a neutral soliton
(radical) in a neighboring chain
through an isoenergetic process.
The charged solitons are
responsible for making
polyacetylene a conductor. 48
In p-type doping, The dopant (Iodine, I2) attracts an electron from
the polyacetylene chain to form (I3-) leaving a positive soliton
(carbenium ion) in the polymer chain that can move along its
length.
The lonely electron of the double bond, from which an electron was
removed, can move easily.
As a consequence, the double bond successively moves along the
molecule, and the polymer is stabilized by having the charge spread
over the polymer chain.

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 3. Extrinsically Conducting Polymers
These are those polymers whose conductivity is due to the presence of
externally added ingredients in them.
Two types:
(1) Conductive element filled polymer:
It is a resin/polymer filled with carbon black, metallic fibres, metal
oxides etc. Polymer acts as a binder to those elements.

These have good bulk conductivity and are low in cost, light weight,
strong and durable. They can be in different forms, shapes and sizes.

(2) Blended Conducting Polymers:

It is product obtained by blending a conventional polymer with a
conducting polymer either by physical or by chemical change.
Such polymers can be processed and possess better physical,
chemical and mechanical strength.

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 Applications of conducting polymers

1. As sensors into clothing

2. Conducting polymer textiles as a camouflage for
defense machinery. Since the textiles have no sharp
edges they absorb more than 50% of the incident
microwave radiation.
3. In LEDs
4. In controlled drug release applications etc.

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APPLICATIONS OF CONDUCTING POLYMERS

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 APPLICATIONS OF CONDUCTING POLYMERS

Group 1 Group 2
Electrostatic materials Molecular electronics
Conducting adhesives Electrical displays
Electromagnetic shielding Chemical, biochemical and thermal sensors
Printed circuit boards Rechargeable batteries and solid electrolytes
Artificial nerves Drug release systems
Antistatic clothing Optical computers
Piezoceramics Ion exchange membranes
Active electronics: Electromechanical actuators (diodes, transistors)
Aircraft structures 'Smart' structures and Switches

The first group utilizes their conductivity as its main property.

The second group utilizes their electroactivity.

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