Polymer is a long molecule made up from lots of small molecules called monomers. This process is called polymerisation.

BASED ON SOURCE BASED ON STRUCTURE

BASED ON MODE OF POLYMERISATION BASED ON MOLECULAR FORCES

Natural Polymers Semi synthetic Polymers Synthetic Polymers Linear Polymers Branched Polymers Cross Linked Polymer

Addition Polymers Condensation Polymers

Elastomers Fibres Thermoplastic Polymers Thermosetting Polymers

NATURAL Found in plants and animals E.g. Proteins, cellulose, starch, rubber etc

SEMI-SYNTHETIC e.g. Cellulose derivatives

SYNTHETIC E.g. plastic, nylon6,6 , synthetic rubber

Linear Polymers

Cross Linked/ Network Polymers

Branched Chain Polymers

ADDITION POLYMERS
Formed by repeated addition of monomer molecules possessing double or triple bonds

CONDENSATION POLYMERISATION

formed by repeated condensation between 2 different bi-functional and tri-functional monomer units

ADDITION POLYMERS

CONDENSATION POLYMERS Formed by repeated condensation between 2 different bi-functional and trifunctional monomer units

Formed by repeated addition of monomer molecules possessing double or triple bonds

ELASTOMERS
Rubber like plastics Polymer chains are held together by the weakest intermolecular forces E.g. buna-S, buna-N, neoprene

FIBRES

THERMOPLASTIC THERMOSETTING

ELASTOMERS
Possess high tensile strength and high modulus

FIBRES

THERMOPLASTIC THERMOSETTING

ELASTOMERS
linear and slightly branched capable of softening on heating and hardening on cooling Eg polythene, polystyrene, polyvinyls etc

FIBRES

THERMOPLASTIC THERMOSETTING

ELASTOMERS

cross-linked or heavily branched molecules on heating -> undergoes extensive cross linking in moulds and again become infusible THERMOPLASTIC Eg Bakelite, urea- formaldelyde resins

FIBRES

THERMOSETTING

 ADDITION

POLYMERISATION REACTION or Chain Growth Polymerisation

CONDENSATION

POLYMERISATION REACTION or Step Growth Polymerisation

 Free

radical mechanism

Step 1 - Initiation
Free radical Monomer

 Free

radical mechanism

Step 2 - Propagation
..

..

 Free

radical mechanism

Step 3 - Termination ........

.........

Also called as STEP GROWTH POLYMERISATION.