MA. TERESA U.

OCULAR
BSCE-STRUCTURAL 1ST YEAR

LET’S CHECK
1. What is a polymer?
The word polymer comes from the Greek prefix poly- “Many” and mers- “Parts”,
thus many parts.
According to (Chang, 2008), a polymer has a very high molar mass, ranging into
more or less thousands and millions of grams. It is also made up of many repeating
units.
A polymer is a chemical compound that have a molecules bonded together in a
long and repeating chains. It is also have a unique properties it is because of its
structure. It is both naturally occuring and man-made.

2. What are the classifications of plastics according to Society of Plastic

Industry?
The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) had established a classification
system in the year 1988 in order to allow all the recyclers and consumers to
determine the different types of plastic. The manufacturers place a code (SPI), or
number, on every plastic product, usually moulded into the bottom.
First classification of Plastic is the Polyethylene Terephthalate, it absorbs odours
and flavours from foods and drinks that are being stored in them. The products or
items that are being made from this plastic are recycled. PET(E) plastic is commonly
used to make common household items like medicine jars, rope, clothing, beverage
bottles and carpet fibre.
Second classification of Plastic is the High-Density Polyethylene, it’s products
are not that known when it comes to transmitting any chemicals into foods and also
it’s very safe to environment and to the consumers. It is also used in recycling any
itmens. Such recycled items made from this plastic include conditioners, container
for milks, motor oil, shampoos, soap bottles, detergents and bleaches.
Third classification of Plastic is the Polyvinyl Chloride, it is also used to recycle.It
is mostly found in plumbing pipes. It is harmful when ingested and should not come
with contact with any kind of food items and drinks.
 Fourth classification of Plastic is the Low-Density Polyethylene, it is sometimes
recycled. It is a very durable and flexible plastic and also considered as a healthy
one. The items that are made from this plastics are: squeezable bottles, sandwich
bags, cling-film and plastic grocery bags.
Fifth classification of Plastic is the Polypropylene, it is occasionally recycled.
Can withstand at a higher temperatures and it is also strong. It is used to make
yogurt pots, syrup bottles, lunch boxes, margarine containers and prescription
bottles.
Sixth classification of Plastic is the Polystyrene, it is commonly recycled, but
difficult to do. The items that are made from this plastic are: plastic food boxes,
disposable coffee cups, packing foam and plastic cultery.
Seventh classification of Plastic is the Code 7, it is used to designate a type of
miscellaneous of plastic that does not defined by the other codes. Included in this
category are Polycarbonate and Polylactide. It is also difficult to recycle.
Polycarbonate (PC) is used in compact discs, medical storage containers and baby
bottles.

3. Give examples of synthetic polymers and indicate their uses.

Synthetic polymers are comes from petroleum oil, and made by engineers and
scientists. Examples of this include nylon, polyethylene, polyester, Teflon, and
epoxy.
Nylon is one of the factor in producing molecules between hydrogen bonding.
Polyethylene (Low-Density Polyethylene Polymer) is mostly used in household
products. It prepares monomer ethylene.
Polyesters are widely used in fabrics especially in clothing. Different types of
clothing apparel are being woven from polyester threads or polyester yarns.
Examples include polyester pants, polyester hats, polyester jackets, and polyester
tshirt.
Teflon is can be used to coat pretty much anything, without damaging the
shape of the item. It can also be used as a coating for pipes in order to stop the
metal to corrode from chemicals passing through them.
Epoxy is used in the making such adhesives, paints, coatings, plastics primers
and sealers, flooring and other producst and materials that are very useful in
building and construction applications. It is more heat-and chemical resistant
compared to glues.
REFERENCES:
Building with Chemistry. (n.d.). Epoxies in Building and Construction. Retrieved
August 31, 2020 https://buildingwithchemistry.org/chemistry-in-bc/epoxies-in-
building-and-constru ction/

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLASTICS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION: Retrieved

August 31, 2020 from
https://www.ryedale.gov.uk/attachments/article/690/Different_plastic_polymer_ty
pes.pdf

Integrated Polymers Group. (n.d.). What are the uses of Teflon? Retrieved August
31, 2020 from https://www.nes-ips.com/what-are-the-uses-of-teflon/

Synthetic Polymers: What are the Types and Uses of Synthetic Polymers?
Retrieved August 31, 2020 from https://www.vedantu.com/chemistry/synthetic-
polymers

USES OF POLYESTER. Retrieved August 31, 2020 from

https://byjus.com/chemistry/uses-of-polyester/

What Is a Polymer?: Molecules Bonded Together in Long, Repeating Chains.

Retrieved August 31, 2020 from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-
polymer-820536