Polymer Natural Polymers the synthetic polymers are 1. Polymer is a large molecule 1. These occur naturally in living obtained from petroleum. made up of many smaller and things. identical repeating units joined 4. There are two types of together by covalent bonds. 2. Some examples of natural polymerisation process: These small molecules that polymers are: >Addition polymerisation are joined into chains are >Natural rubber in latex >Condensation polymerization. called monomers. >Protein in mucles, leathers, silks, hairs and furs 5. Plastics such as polythene and 2. Polymerisation is the >Carbohydrates in starch and PVC are produced by addition chemical process by which the cellulose polymerisation, whereas monomers are joined together synthetic fibres such as nylon to form molecule known as the 3. Some natural polymers are and Terylene are made by polymer. made up of carbon, hydrogen, condensation polymerisation. nitrogen and oxygen. Both nylon and Terylene are 3. A polymer is a macromolecule synthetic fibre used for making (a very big molecule). Hence, the relative molecular mass of Synthetic Polymers clothing. a polymer is large. 1. Synthetic polymer is a polymer that is manufactured 6. Some examples of synthetic in industry from chemical addition polymers, their 4. The properties of a polymer monomers and uses are are different from its substances through the polymerisation process. shown in table below. monomers. 2. Examples of synthetic Synthetic Polymer: 5. Polymers can be divided into Polythene (PE) two types: polymers are plastics, synthetic fibres and Monomer: Ethane >Naturally polymers Uses: Plastic bags, plastic toys, >Synthetic polymers. elastomers. plastic cups and plates. Synthetic Polymer: Polypropene Synthetic Polymer: Nylon >Most polymers are non- (PP) Monomer: biodegradable (cannot be Monomer: Propene *Hezane-1,6diamine decomposed by bacteria or Uses: Plastic bottles, bottle *Hezane-1,6-dioic acid other microorganisms). crates, plastic tables and chairs, Uses: Ropes, clothing and >Plastic items block drains and car battery cases and ropes. carpets. rivers, causing flash floods. >Plastic containers become Synthetic Polymer: breeding places for Polyvinylchloride (PVC) mosquitoes. Monomer: Chloroethane Issues of the use of >Small plastics swallowed by Uses: Water pipes, records, synthetic polymers in aquatic animals cause death. shoes, bags, raincoats, artificial >Burning of polymers release leather, and wire casing. everyday life harmful gases that cause air 1. Synthetic polymers have been pollution. used widely to replace natural Synthetic Polymer: Polystyrene materials. 4. Petroleum, the main source of Monomer: Phenylethane Uses: Packaging material, toys, raw materials for the making of 2. Advantages of synthetic synthetic polymers is a non- plates, heat insulators and polymers: renewable resource. disposable cups. >Strong and light >Cheap 5. Methods to overcome these Synthetic Polymer: >Able to resist corrosion problems of polymers are: Perspex >Inert to chemical attacks >Reduce, reuse and recycle Monomer: Methylmethacrylate >Easily moulded or shaped synthetic polymers. Uses: Safety glass, reflectors, and dyed >Make biodegradable lens and traffic signs. polymers. 3. The use of synthetic polymer, Synthetic Polymer: Terylene however, results in Monomer: environmental pollution *Hezane-1,6-diol problems from the disposal of *Benzene-1,4dicarboxylic acid synthetic polymers because: Uses: Clothing, sails and ropes.