Polymer: Types of Polymers

Polymer
Polymer is a high molecular mass molecule formed by linking up of two or more small
molecules called monomers.
Monomers are the small molecule which are capable of linking amongst themselves to form
big molecules called polymers.
Types of Polymers
Depending upon the nature of the repeating structural units (monomers), polymers are
Divided into two broad categories viz., homopolymers and copolymers
(a)Homopolymer
A polymer formed from only one kind of monomers is called homopolymer. Polyethene –(–
CH2 – CH2 –)–n is an example of homopolymer.
(b)Copolymer
A polymer formed from more than one kind of monomer units is called copolymer or mixed
polymer. For example, Buna-S rubber which is formed from 1, 3-butadiene
(CH2= CH – CH = CH2) and styrene (C6H5 CH = CH2) is an example of copolymer.
Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Origin.

On the basis of origin, polymers are classified as:
(1) Natural Polymers: The polymers obtained from nature (plants and animals) are Called
natural polymers. Starch, cellulose, natural rubber, proteins, etc. are some examples.
(2) Synthetic Polymers: The polymers which are prepared in the laboratories are called
Synthetic polymers. These are also called man-made polymers. Polyethene, PVC, Nylon,
Teflon, bakelite, terylene, synthetic rubber, etc. are common examples.
Classification of Polymers on the Basis of structure
On the basis of structure of polymers, these can be classified as:
(1) Linear Polymer: these are polymers in which monomeric units are linked together to form
linear chains. These linear polymers are well packed (Fig. 33.1) and therefore, have high
densities, high tensile (pulling) strength and high melting points. For Example, polyethelene,
nylons and polyesters are examples of linear polymers.
(2) Branched chain polymers: These are polymers in which the monomers are joined to form
long chain with side chains or branches of different lengths [Fig. 33.2]. These Branched chains
polymers are irregularly packed and therefore, they have lower tensile Strength and melting
points than linear polymers. For example, low density polyethene, Glycogen, starch, etc.
(3)Cross-linked polymers : These are polymers in which long polymer chains are cross-Linked
together to from a three dimensional network. These polymers are hard, rigid and brittle
because of the network structure. (Fig. 33.3) bakelite, melamine and Formaldehyde resin are
some examples of this type.
Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Method of Polymerisation

On the basis of method of polymerisation the polymers are classified as:
1. Addition polymer: A polymer formed by direct addition of repeated monomers
without the elimination of any small molecule is called addition polymer. In this
type, the monomers are unsaturated compounds and are generally derivatives of ethene.
The addition polymers have the same empirical formula as their monomers. Examples
are polyethene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, etc.
2. Condensation polymer: A polymer formed by the condensation of two or more

than two monomers with the elimination of simple molecules like water, ammonia,
hydrogen chloride, alcohol, etc. is called condensation polymer. In this type, each
monomer generally contains two functional groups. For example, nylon – 66 is
obtained by the condensation of two monomers; hexa methylenediamine and adipic
acid with the loss of water molecules.
Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Molecular Forces

Depending upon the intermolecular forces between monomer molecules, the polymers
have been classified into four types.
1. Elastomers : In case of elastomers the polymer chains are held together by weak
van der waals forces. Due to weak forces, the polymers can be easily stretched on
applying small stress and they regain their original shape when the stress is removed.
This is due to the presence of few- ‘cross links’ between the chains, which help the
polymer to retract to its original position after the force is removed, as in vulcanized
rubber.
The most important example of elastomer is natural rubber.
2. Fibres: These are the polymers which have strong intermolecular forces between
the chains. These forces are either hydrogen bonds or dipole-dipole interactions.
Because of the strong forces, the chains are closely packed, giving them high tensile
strength and less elasticity. These polymers can be drawn into long, thin and thread like fibres
and therefore can be woven into fabrics. The common examples are nylon-66, dacron, silk,
etc.
3. Thermoplastics: These are linear polymers with very few cross linkages or no cross
linkages at all. The polymeric chains are held by weak VANDER WAAL forces and
slide over one another. Due to lack of cross linkages these polymers soften on heating
and harden or become rigid on cooling. Thus, they can be moulded to any shape.
Polythene, PVC, polystyrene are addition type thermoplastics and Terylene, nylon
are condensation type thermoplastics.
Plasticizers: Certain plastics do not soften much on heating. These can be easily
softened by the addition of some organic compounds which are called plasticizers.
For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is very stiff and hard but is made soft by
adding di-n-butylphthalate (a plasticizer). Some other common plasticizers are dialkyl
phthalates and cresyl phthalate.
4. Thermosetting polymers: Usually thermosetting polymer can be heated only once
when it permanently sets into a solid which cannot be remelted and remoulded.
Thermosetting polymers are produced from relatively low molecular mass semi fluid
polymers (called polymers) which on heating develop extensive cross-linking by
themselves or by adding some cross-linking agents and become infusible and insoluble
hard mass. The cross links hold the molecules in place so that heating does not allow
them to move freely. Therefore, a thermosetting plastic is cross linked and is
permanently rigid. The common example is bakelite, melamine, formaldehyde resin,
etc.
SOME COMMERICALLY IMPORTANT POLYMER:

1.Nylon-6,6: can be cast into a sheet or fibres by spinning devices.
Properties
Nylon fibres have high tensile strength.
They are tough and resistant to abrasion.
They are also somewhat elastic in nature.
Uses
Nylon finds use in making bristles and brushes, carpets and fabrics in textile industry, elastic
hosiery in the form of crinkled nylon.
2.Polyvinylchloride (PVC): The monomer units are vinyl chloride molecules. PVC is
Prepared by heating vinyl chloride in an inert solvent in the presence of dibenzoyl peroxide.
Properties:
PVC is a hard horny material
It is economical and is an affordable solution.
It is resistant to chemicals as well as heat
Uses:
It is used formaking rain coats, hand bags, toys, hosepipes, gramophone records, electrical
insulation and floor covering.
3. Teflon or Polytetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE): The monomer unit is terafluoroethylene

molecule. Teflon is prepared by heating tetra fluoroethylene under pressure in the presence of
ammonium peroxosulphate. [(NH4)2S2O8].

Properties:
Teflon is a very tough material and is resistant towards heat, action of acids or bases.
It is bad conductor of electricity.
Uses:
Teflon is used for coating utensils to make them non-sticking,Making seals and gaskets which
can with stand high pressures, insulation for high frequency Electrical installations.
4.Polyester
Some synthetic polymers have ester group (– C – O –)O in them. These are condensation
polymers. The important members of this class are polyester and glyptal resins.
Properties:
It Is resistant to the action of most of the common chemicals and biological Chemistry and
abrasion Substances and also to abrasion.
It has a low moisture absorbing power.
Uses:
it is widely used in making wash and wear fabrics.
Properties:
It has slightly less tensile strength than natural rubber.
Uses:
(i) making automobile tyres.
(ii) rubber soles, belts and hoses etc.
Buna – N : It is obtained by copolymerization of two parts of butadiene and one part of

acrylonitrile in presence of sodium metal.
Properties
Buna – N is hard and extremely resistant to the swelling action by oils (petrol), solvents
and is resistant to heat, etc.
Uses :
(i) It is used for the manufacture of storage tanks for solvents and
(ii) For making oil seals
7. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): Its monomer unit is methyl methacrylate.
Properties:
PMMA is a hard and transparent polymer
quite resistant to the effect of heat, light and ageing.
It has high optical clarity.
Uses:
It is used in the manufacture of lenses, transparent domes and skylights, dentures, aircraft
windows and protective coatings.

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Polymer

Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Origin.

Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Method of Polymerisation

2. Condensation polymer: A polymer formed by the condensation of two or more

Classification of Polymers on the Basis of Molecular Forces

SOME COMMERICALLY IMPORTANT POLYMER:

3. Teflon or Polytetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE): The monomer unit is terafluoroethylene

ammonium peroxosulphate. [(NH4)2S2O8].

Buna – N : It is obtained by copolymerization of two parts of butadiene and one part of

7. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): Its monomer unit is methyl methacrylate.

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