ME007 - Polymers

Polymers
ME007
Polymers
Polymers
• The word “Polymer” is derived from two Greek words, ‘Poly,’

which means many (numerous), and ‘Mer,’ which means units.
• A long-chain molecule composed of many repeating units of
identical structure.
• Polymers may be naturally found in plants and animals
(natural polymers) or maybe human-made (synthetic
polymers).
Polymers
• Polymers are all created by polymerization, wherein their

constituent elements, called monomers, are reacted together
to form polymer chains
Classification of Polymers
Classification of Polymers based on the
Source of Availability
There are three types of classification under this category,

namely,
• Natural
• Synthetic
• Semi-synthetic Polymers
Natural Polymers
They occur naturally and are found in plants and animals—for

example, proteins, starch, cellulose, and rubber.
Semi-synthetic Polymers
• They are derived from naturally occurring polymers and

undergo further chemical modification, such as vulcanized
rubber, cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate.
• Semi-Synthetic polymers are polymers obtained by making
modifications in natural polymers artificially in a lab.
Vulcanized rubber - sulfur is used in cross bonding the polymer chains found in
natural rubber
Synthetic Polymers
• Synthetic polymers are polymers which humans can artificially

create/synthesize in a lab.
• Plastic is the most common and widely used synthetic
polymer.
Types of Synthetic Polymers
Low-Density Polyethylene
• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) polymers are among the
most common types of synthetic organic polymers, often
found in households.
• LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene.
• LDPE is commonly recycled, with number 4 as its recycling
symbol.
• Well known for being widely used in plastic bags
High-Density Polyethylene
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene
thermoplastic made from petroleum.
• It takes 1.75 kilograms of petroleum (in terms of energy and
raw materials) to make one kilogram of HDPE.
• HDPE is commonly recycled, with number 2 as its recycling
symbol.
• Commonly used in plastic bottles, toys, chemical
containers, and pipe systems.
Polypropylene
• Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide
variety of applications, including packaging and labeling,
textiles, laboratory equipment, automotive components,
and polymer banknotes.
• An additional polymer made from the monomer propylene is
rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents,
bases, and acids.
Polyvinyl Chloride
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the third-most widely produced
plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene.
• PVC is used in construction because it is cheaper and stronger
than traditional alternatives such as copper or ductile iron.
• PVC is used in pipes, clothing and upholstery, electrical
cable insulation, inflatable products, and many applications
to replaces rubber.
Polystyrene
• Polystyrene (PS) is an aromatic polymer made from the
monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical.
• One of the most popular plastics, PS, is a colorless solid that
is used, for example, in disposable cutlery.
• Products made from foamed polystyrene include packing
materials, insulation, and foam drink cups.
• It is very slow biodegradation is a focus of controversy, and it
can often be found littered outdoors, particularly along shores
and waterways.
Nylon
• Nylon, a family of synthetic polymers known generically as
polyamides, was first produced by DuPont.
• Nylon is one of the most commonly used polymers.
• Absorbs water
• Used in fabric and fibers (apparel, flooring and rubber
reinforcement), in shapes (molded parts for cars, electrical
equipment, etc.), and in films (mostly for food packaging).
Teflon
• Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) is a solid, high-molecular-
weight compound consisting entirely of carbon and fluorine.
• PTFE is hydrophobic: neither water nor water-containing substances
can interact with PTFE.
• PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware
because it has very low friction with other compounds.
• It is very non-reactive and often used in containers and pipework
for reactive and corrosive chemicals.
• Where used as a lubricant, PTFE reduces friction, wear, and energy
consumption of machinery.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane
• Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is any of a class of
polyurethane plastic.
• It has many useful properties, including elasticity,
transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion.
• Most of these properties are resultant of the fact that TPU is
hydrophilic and can react with water.
Classification of Polymers based on the
Structure of the Monomer Chain
This category has the following classifications:

1. Linear Polymers
2. Branched-chain Polymers
3. Cross-linked Polymers
Linear Polymers
• The structure of polymers containing long and straight chains

fall into this category.
• PVC, i.e., polyvinyl chloride, is largely used for making pipes,
and electric cables are an example of a linear polymer.
• These polymers have high melting points and are of higher
density.
Branched-chain Polymers
• When linear chains of a polymer form branches.

• Monomers join together to form a long straight chain with
some branched chains of different lengths.
• As a result of these branches, the polymers are not closely
packed together. They are of low density having low melting
points.
• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) used in plastic bags and
general-purpose containers is a common example.
Cross-linked Polymers
• They are composed of bifunctional and trifunctional

monomers.
• They have a stronger covalent bond in comparison to other
linear polymers.
• In this type of polymers, monomers are linked together to
form a three-dimensional network.
• These polymers are brittle and hard—Ex:- Bakelite (used in
electrical insulators), Melamine (insulation and
soundproofing), etc.
Classification Based on Polymerization
• Addition Polymerization: The repeated addition of monomer

molecules forms these types of polymers. The polymer is
formed by the polymerization of monomers with double or
triple bonds (unsaturated compounds). Example, Teflon,
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
• Condensation Polymerization: These polymers are formed by
monomers' combination, eliminating small molecules like
water, alcohol, etc. A common example is the polymerization
of Hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid to give Nylon – 6,6,
where molecules of water are eliminated in the process.
Example, Nylon -6,6, perylene, polyesters.
Classification Based on Monomers
• Homomer: In this type, a single type of monomer unit is

present—for example, Polyethylene.
• Heteropolymer or co-polymer: It consists of different types
of monomer units. For example, nylon -6,6
Classification Based on Molecular Forces
Elastomers:
• These are rubber-like solids weak interaction forces are
present—for example, Rubber.
• Elastomers are rubber-like solid polymers that are elastic in
nature.
Fibers:
• Strong, tough, high tensile strength and strong interaction forces
are present—for example, nylon -6, 6.
• Class of polymers that are thread-like in nature and can easily be
woven.
• They have strong inter-molecule forces between the chains giving
them less elasticity and high tensile strength. Fibers have sharp and
high melting points.
• A common example is that of Nylon-66, which is used in carpets and
apparel.
Thermoplastics:
• These have intermediate forces of attraction—for example,
polyvinyl chloride.
• When heated, these polymers are softened (thick fluid-like)
and hardened when they are allowed to cool down, forming a
hard mass.
• Can easily be shaped by heating and using molds.
• A common example is Polystyrene or PVC (which is used in
making pipes).
Thermoplastics:
• These have intermediate forces of attraction—for example,
polyvinyl chloride.
• When heated, these polymers are softened (thick fluid-like)
and hardened when they are allowed to cool down, forming a
hard mass.
• Can easily be shaped by heating and using molds.
• A common example is Polystyrene or PVC (which is used in
making pipes).
Thermosetting polymers:
• These polymers greatly improve the material’s mechanical
properties.
• It provides enhanced chemical and heat resistance—for
example, phenolics, epoxies, and silicones.
• Thermosetting plastics are polymers which are semi-fluid in
nature with low molecular masses.
• When heated, they start cross-linking between polymer
chains, hence becoming hard and infusible.
Structure of Polymers
• Most of the polymers around us are made up of a

hydrocarbon backbone.
• A few examples of a hydrocarbon backbone polymer are
polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene.
• Also, there are polymers which, instead of carbon, have other
elements in their backbone. For example, Nylon, which
contains nitrogen atoms in the repeated unit backbone.

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Polymers

• The word “Polymer” is derived from two Greek words, ‘Poly,’

• Polymers are all created by polymerization, wherein their

There are three types of classification under this category,

They occur naturally and are found in plants and animals—for

• They are derived from naturally occurring polymers and

• Synthetic polymers are polymers which humans can artificially

This category has the following classifications:

• The structure of polymers containing long and straight chains

• When linear chains of a polymer form branches.

• They are composed of bifunctional and trifunctional

• Addition Polymerization: The repeated addition of monomer

• Homomer: In this type, a single type of monomer unit is

• Most of the polymers around us are made up of a

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