Polymers

Definition

Polymers which are obtained

from animal and plants are
Macromolecules known as natural polymers.
y Individual molecule of very high molecular
weight. e.g., Heamoglobin, Chlorophyll etc.
Monomer
y Monomer is the molecule that forms
the basic unit for Polymer. e.g., Propene,
Concept Ladder
Styrene, Vinyl chloride etc.
Polymer The number of monomers
y Natural, semisynthetic and synthetic which are joined together in
compounds consisting of number of a polymer constitutes the
molecules (monomers) called Polymer. e.g., degree of polymerization.
Polypropene, Polystyrene, PVC, Nylon-6 etc.

I. Classification Based upon source

(1) Natural polymers
Polymers which are found in nature. Rack your Brain
eg. Starch, cellulose and natural rubber,
Why all polymers are
Silk, Proteins, Nucleic acid. ...etc.
macromolecules but all
(2) Semisynthetic polymers
macromolecules are not
It is obtained from naturally occuring polymers.
polymers by chemical treatment. Most of
Polymers

the semisynthetic polymers are prepared

1.
 from cellulose. eg. cellulose acetate,
cellulose nitrate, cellulose xanthate and Concept Ladder
rayon. Polymers in which
(3) Synthetic polymers repeating units are derived
Man maid polymers are known as synthetic from two or more types
of monomers units are
polymer. eg. PVC, polyethylene, polystyrene,
called copolymers. eg.
nylon-6, nylon-6,6; nylon-6,10; terylene, nylon-6,6; Buna-S; Buna-N;
synthetic rubbers etc. Polyesters.
Classification Based upon structure
1. Linear polymers
Monomers are joined together to form long
straight chains. The various linear polymeric
chains are stacked over one another to give
a well packed structure close packed in
nature, having high densities, high melting
point and high tensile (pulling) strength. Definition
Note:
Man-made polymers, i.e.
All fibers are linear polymers. eg. cellulose,
polymers prepared in laboratory
silk, nylon, terylene etc.
are known as synthetic
2. Branched chain polymers
polymers.
Polymers in which the monomeric units
constitute a branched chain. Branched
chain polymers have lower melting point
low densities and tensile strength as
compared to linear polymers.
Examples are amylopectin, glycogen, low
density polyethylene and all vulcanized
rubbers.
Previous Year’s Question
3. Cross linked or Three-Dimensional network
polymers
Which compound forms linear
When linear polymeric chains are joined polymer due to H-bond?
together to form a three dimensional [AIPMT]
network structure. These polymers are hard, (1) H2O (2) NH3
(3) HF (4) HCl
Polymers

2.
 rigid and brittle. Cross linked polymers are
always condensation polymers. Resins are Concept Ladder
cross linked polymers.
Polymers whose repeating
Classification Based upon molecular force structural units are derived
1. Elastomers from only one type of
Polymers in which the intermolecular monomer units are called
foreces of attraction between the polymer homopolymers.
nCH
= 2 CH2  →—[ CH2 —CH2—]n
chains are the weakest (weak van der Waals Ethene Polythene
(Monomer ) (polymer )
forces of attraction) these polymers consist
of randomly coiled molecular chains of
irregular shape having a few cross links.
Examples are natural rubber, Buna-S,
Buna-N etc.
2. Fibres
Those polymers in which teh intermolecular
forces of attraction are the strongest are
called fibers. These polymers held together Rack your Brain
by H-bonding or dipole-dipole interaction.
Fibres have high tensile strenght, least Why branched chain polymers
elasticity having high melting point and low do not pack well?
solubility.
3. Thermoplastics
In thermoplastics intermolecualr forces
of attraction are in between those of
elastomers and fibres. Thermoplastics
become soft and viscous on heating and
rigid on cooling.
Examples are polythene, nylon-6, nylon-6,6
etc.
Concept Ladder

4. Thermosetting polymers Linear polymers may be

These polymers have low molecular masses condensation as well
and are semi-fluid substances. These as addition polymers.
polymers are hard and infusible. Examples are cellulose,
polypeptide, nucleic acid,
Examples are melamine-formaldehyde,
Polymers

nylon, terylene etc.

bakelite (phenol-formaldehyde) etc.

3.
 Classification based upon polymerisation
1. Addition polymerization
(a) Addition polymers are those in which
addition reaction takes place
(b) If monomer is ethylene, then addition
polymer may be either linear polymer Concept Ladder
of branched chain polymer. Examples
Addition polymerization
are polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene,
takes place in three steps:
polyacrylonitrile etc. Initiation, chain
(c) If monomer is 1,3–butadiene or 2– propagation and chain
substituted-1, 3–butadiene termination.
, then polymer is always

branched chain polymer.

G G
|
 |

n CH2  C CH  CH2 
  CH  C CH  CH  
 n
Monomer  Polymer 
Monomer Polymer

G=H: Previous Year’s Question

(a) (i) Polybutadiene
1,3-Butadiene

G-CH3 : 2-Methyl-1, Regarding cross-linked or

(b) 3-butadiene or (ii) Polyisoprene network polymers, which of
isoprene the following statements is
incorrect? [NEET]
G=Cl; 2-Chloro-1, (1) They conttain covalent bonds
(iii) Polychloroprene
(c) 3-butadiene or
(Neoprene) between various linear polymer
chloroprene
chains.
(2) They are formed from bi-and
(d) Addition polymers are also known as chain tri-functional monomers.
(3) Examples are bakelite and
growth polymers.
melamine.
(4) They contain strong covalent
Polymers

bonds in their polymer chains.

4.
Types of Addition Polymerisation
(a) Free Radical Polymerisation
(i) Free radical polymerisation takes in the
presence of radical initiators. Such as
Previous Year’s Question
dioxygen, benzoyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide
etc. Which can absorb over 90% of its
For example, polymerization of ethene own mass of water and does not
is carried out at high temperatures (350- stick to wound?
570K) and at high pressure (1000-2000 atm) [AIPMT]
(1) Rayon (2) Gun cotton
in presence of dioxygen or a small amount
(3) Thiokol (4) Saran
of benzoyl peroxide as radical initiator.
Mechanism
Chain initiating steps:

Chain propagating steps:

Chain terminating steps:

Step 1 : By combination of free radicals (II)
Polymers

5.
 Step 2 : By disproportionation of free radicals (II)

(b) Cationic Polymerisation

Cationic polymerisation takes place in the
presence of strong protonic acids such as
H2SO4, AlCl3, BF3 etc.

(c) Anionic Polymerization

In anionic polymerisation, it takes place
in the presence of strong bases such as
KNH2, NaOH, KOH, some organometallic
compounds etc.

2. Condensation polymerization
(a) They are formed due to condensation
reactions.
Polymers

6.
(b) Condensation polymerization is also known
as step growth polymerization. Previous Year’s Question
(c) For condensation polymerization, monomers
Which one of the following is not
may should have at least two functional
a condensation polymer?
groups. (functional groups may be same or [AIPMT]
different). (1) Melamine (2) Glyptal
(3) Dacron (4) Neoprene
For example,

(d) During condensation elimination of small

molecules like ammonia, alcohol, water,
HCl takes place.

O
 ||

n NH2  R  COOH 
Condensation
  NH  R  C     n  1
 
reaction
 Polyamide  2
 n  

(e) Monomer having three functional groups Concept Ladder

always gives cross linked polymer. Examples
Monomers having only two
are : Urea formaldehyde resin, phenol- functional group always
formaldehyde resin. give linear polymer.
Polymers

7.
 Natural Rubber
The main source of natural rubber is Concept Ladder
braziliensis tree. Natural rubber is obtained from Natural rubber is a polymer
latex. Again latex is coagulated with acetic acid of 2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene
and formic acid and coagulated mass is then (isoprene). On average,
squeezed. molecules of rubber
contain 5000 isoprene
Natural rubber is a sticky, gummy & soft
units held together by
and insoluble in water, alkalies & dilute acids. head to tail. All the double
Natural rubber soluble in non-polar solvents. It bonds in rubber are cis,
has low elasticity and low tensile strength. hence natural rubber is
Example : Polyisoprene. cis-polyisoprene.

CH3 CH3
| |
n CH2  C CH  CH2 [ CH2  C CH CH2 ]n
Polymerization

Isoprene Polyisoprene

Structure of Natural Rubber (cis-polyisoprene)

Synthetic Rubber or Polymerisation of Dienes

Polymers of 1,3-butadienes are called
synthetic rubbers because they have some
properties of natural rubber. Synthetic rubber are
water proof and great elasticity. Previous Year’s Question
1. Homopolymers
natural rubber is a polymer of
Monomer of this class is 2-substituted
[AIPMT]
-1,3-butadienes.
(1) Styrene (2) Ethyne
where G = H, Cl or CH3. (3) Butadiene (4) Isoprene

Zieglar-Natta catalyst is used for

polymerisation which gives stereo regular
polymers.
Polymers

8.


Concept Ladder

Synthetic rubbers have

some improved properties.
Dieprene (Neoprene) was the first They are more flexible,
synthetic rubber manufactured on large tougher and more durable
scale. It is the monomer of chloroprene than natural rubber.
(2-chlorobutadiene).
2. Copolymers
Copolymers are derived from two or more
types of monomer units. Example of
copolymers are :

Buna-S, SBR (Styrene- C6H5 − CH = CH2 + CH2 = CH − CH = CH2

1 (25%) (75%)
Butadiene rubber)

Buna-N, NBR (Nitrile- CH2 = CH − CN + CH2 = CH − CH = CH2

2 (25%) (75%)
Butadiene rubber)

3 Butyl rubber

4
ABS; Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, CH2 = CH — CN+ CH2 = CH2 = CH — CH = CH2
Styrene
+C6H5CH =CH2

(a) Buna-S (SSR : Styrene-butadiene rubber)

Rack your Brain
Buna-S rubber is a copolymer of three
moles of butadiene and one mole styrene. Which polymer is used to make
Buna-S is generally compounded with ‘non-stick’ cookware?
Polymers

9.
 carbon black and vulcanised with sulpur.
It is extremely resistant to tear & wear
and therefore used in the manufacture of
tyres and other mechanical rubber goods.
It is obtained as a result of free radical
copolymerisation of its monomers.
(b) Buna -N
Buna-N is obtained by copolymerisation
of butadiene and acrylonitrile (General
purpose Rubber acrylonitrile or GRA)
Concept Ladder
In Buna-S, ‘Bu’ stands for
butadiene, ‘na’ for symbol
of sodium (Na) which is a
polymerizing agent and
‘S’ stands for styrene. It
is an elastomer (General
purpose styrene Rubber or
GRS).

Buna-N is rigid and resistant to the action of

organic solvents, lubricating oil and petrol.
It is also used for making fuel tanks.

Q1 Buna-S is also called __________?

(1) Polyurethane (2) SBR
(3) Teflon (4) Bakelite

Sol. (2)
SBR is known as styrene butadiene.
Polymers

10.
Vulcanisation of rubber
Natural rubber soft & sticky and becomes Concept Ladder
even more so at high temperatures and brittle at
Synthetic rubbers are
low temperanures. Therefore, rubber is generally
either homopolymers
used in the temperature range 283-335 K where
of 1, 3-butadiene
its elasticity is maintained. It has a large water
or its derivatives or
absorption capacity, has low tensile strength and
are copolymers of
low resistance to abrasion. It is also not-resistant
to the action of organic solvents and is also easily 1, 3-butadiene or its
attacked by axidising agents. These properties derivatives with another
can be improved markedily by a process called unsaturated monomer.

vulcanization.

It consists of heating raw rubber with sulphur at

373-415 K. Since this process is slow, therefore,
additives like zinc oxide, are used to acoelerate
Rack your Brain
the rate of vulcanization The vulcanized rubber
thus obtained has excellent elasticity, low water
absorption tendency and is resistant to the How does rubber get stiffness?
action of organic solvents and oxidising agents
During vulcanization, sulphur bridges or cross-
links between polymer chans are introduced
either reactive allylic positions or at the sites of
the double bonds.

Nylon Previous Year’s Question

Nylons are prepared by the condensation
Nylon is an example of
polymerisation of dibasic acids with diamines.
[NEET]
Nylon contain amide linkages having a protein (1) polyamide (2) polythene
like structure. (3) polyester (4) polysaccharide
Polymers

11.
 (1) Nylon–6,6 (Nylon–six, six)
It is obtained by condensation
polymerisation of a diamine with six carbon
atoms (hexamethylenediamine) and a
dibasic acid having 6 carbon atoms (adipic
acid).

(2) Nylon–6,10 (Nylon–six, ten)

It is obtained by condensation
polymerisation of six carbon atoms Concept Ladder
(hexamethylenediamine) and a dibasic acid
with 10 carbon atoms (sebacic acid). Nylon fibres are stronger
These fibres are light, very strong, flexible than natural fibres and so
and elastic having retain creases and drip are used in making cords
dry property. These polyemrs are inert and ropes.
towards biological and chemicals agents.
These polymers can be blended with wool
to make carpets, garments, tyre cords,
ropes, etc.
(3) Nylon–6 (Perlon L)
A polyamide closely related to nylon is
known as perlon L (Germany) or Nylon–6 Previous Year’s Question
(USA). During prolonged heating of
caprolactum at 260–270°C. It is formed Nylon-6, 6 is a polyamide
by self condensation of a large number of obtained by the reaction of
molecules of amino caproic acid. Since, [AIPMT]
caprolactum is more easily available, it is (1) COOH(CH2)4COOH +
used for polymerization, with is carried out H2NC6H4NH2 (p)
in the presence of H2O that first hydrolysis (2) COOH(CH2)4COOH +
the lactam to amino acid. Subsequently, NH2(CH2)6NH2
the amino acid can react with the lactam (3) COOH(CH2)4COOH +
and the process goes on and onto formed NH2(CH2)4NH2
by polyamide polymer. (4) COOHC6H4COOH (p) +
Caprolactam is obtained by Backman NH2(CH2)6NH2
Polymers

12.
 rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime.
Rack your Brain
Polytetrafluoroethene (PTEE) or Teflon
Teflon is manufactured by heating Why the articles made from
tetrafluoroethene in presence of peroxides melamine do not break even if
or ammonium persulphate catalyst at high they fall from several heightes?
pressures.
(NH ) S O
n F2C  CF2 4 2 2 8
High pressure
 [ F C C F ]
2 2 n
Tetrafluoroethene Polytetrafluoroethene or Teflon

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or Orlon

During Polymerisation of acrylonitrile
in the presence of a peroxide catalyst gives
polyacrylonitrile.
Concept Ladder
  CH2  CH  
nCH2  CH  Peroxides
PAN is used as a
|  | 
CN  CN  substitute for wool in the
 
manufacture of orlon and
acrilan fibres which are
Melamine-formaldehyde resin
used for making clothes,
This resin is formed by condensation
polymerization of melamine and formaldehyde. carpets and blankets.
It is a quite hard polymer and is used
widely for making plastic crockery under the
name melamine. The articles made from this
polymer do not break even when dropped from
considerable height.

Q2 What is the monomer of bakelite?

Sol. Bakelite is a polymer formed by the monomers of phenol and formaldehyde. This
Polymers

phenol-formaldehyde resin is a thermosetting polymer.

13.
 Bakelite

Phenol-formaldehyde resins are obtained

by the reaction of phenol and formaldehyde in
Previous Year’s Question
the presence of either an acid or a basic catalyst.
It starts with the initial formation of ortho and
The bakelite is prepared by the
para hydroxymethyl phenol derivatives, which reaction between
further react with phenol to form compounds [AIPMT]
where rings are joined to each other with –CH2 (1) Phenol and formaldehyde
groups. This reaction involves the formation of (2) Tetramethylene glycol
methylene bridges in ortho, para or both ortho and (3) Urea and formaldehyde
para positions. Linear or cross- linked materials (4) Ethylene glycol
are obtained depending on the condition of the
reaction.
Polymers

14.
Polyesters
Dacron is a common polyester, prepared
using ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The
reaction is carried out at 140°C to 180°C in the Previous Year’s Question
presence of zinc acetate and Sb2O3 as catalyst.
Of the following which one is
The dacron is crease resistant and has classified as polyester polymer?
low moisture absorption. It has high tensile [AIPMT]
(1) Terylene
strength. It is mainly used in making wash and
(2) Bakelite
wear gamets, in blending with wood to provide (3) Melamine
better crease and wrinkle resistance. (4) Nylon-6, 6

Molecular mass of polymer.

Normally, a polymer contains chains of varying
lengths and therefore, its molecular mass is
always expressed as an average. In contrast,
natural polymers such as protein contains chain
of identical length and hence, have definite Definition
molecular mass.
Number average molecular mass Mn ( ) The ratio of the weight and

Mn =
∑ NMi i number average molecular
∑ i
N
i
masses (Mw / Mn ) is called Poly
Dispersity Index (PDI).
Here Ni is the number of molecules of molecular
mass Mi

Q3 The number average molecular mass and mass average molecular mass of a
polymer are 30,000 and 40,000 respectively. the PDI of the polymer is :

Sol. PDI (Polydispersity Index) is the ratio of the mass average molecular mass to the
number average molecular mass.
40000
Therefore, PDI = = 1.33
30000
Thus, PDI of the polymer is >1.
Polymers

15.
 Here Ni is the number of molecules
of molecular mass Mi. Methods such as light
scattering and ultracentrifuge depend on the
mass of the individual molecules and yield weight
as average molecular masses. Mn is determined
by osmotic pressure measurement (colligative Concept Ladder
properties).
Some natural polymers, which are Weight average molecular
generally monodispersed, the PDI is unity (i.e. ( )
mass Mw
Mw = Mn ).
Mw =
∑ NM i
2
i
In synthetic polymers, which are always ∑ Nm i i
polydisperse, PDI > 1 because Mw is always higher i

than Mn .
Biodegradable Polymers:
Many polymers are quite resistant to
the environmental degradation processes and
are thus responsible for the accumulation of
polymeric solid waste materials (environmental
polution). These solid wastes cause acute
Previous Year’s Question
environmental and health problems and remain
undegraded for quite a long time (100 — 1000 Which of the following is a
years). For general awareness and concern, the biodegradable polymer?
problems created by the polymeric solid wastes, [AIIMS]
(1) Cellulose
certain new biodegradable synthetic polymers
(2) Polythene
have been designed and developed. These
(3) Polyvinyl chloride
polymers contain functional groups similar to the (4) Nylon-6
functional groups present in biopolymers.

Q4 Identify the type of polymer.

—A—A—A—A—A—A—

Sol. Here the monomer is –A-. Since the same or identical monomer is being repeated
to form this above polymer, so this is a homopolymer. (‘Homo’ means same or
identical)
Polymers

16.
By far the most important class of biodegradable
polymers are aliphatic polyesters and polyamides.
Some of these are discussed below :
(i) Nylon-2-Nylon-6
It is an alternating polyamide of
glycine (containing two carbon atoms) and
e-aminocaproic acid or 6-aminohexanoic acid.
(containing six carbon atoms)

(ii) PHBV
It is a thermoplastic co-polymer of
3-hydroxy-butanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic
acid in which the two monomer units are
connected by ester linkages.

Polymers

17.
 Q5 Identify the type of polymer.
—A—B—B—A—A—A—B—A—

Sol. Monomers ‘A’ and ‘B’ are being joined in a random manner in the same polymer
chain. It is the example of a copolymer. Copolymers are formed by the mixture of
two or more unsaturated monomers reacts to each other.

Q6 Why are rubbers called elastomers?

Sol. Rubbers can be stretched by applying mechanical forces and come back to its
original position after the removal of applied force. So they are called elastomers.

Q7 Can the enzyme be called a polymer?

Sol. The enzyme are the catalysts which enhances the biological (bio-chemical)
reactions. Enzymes are made up of proteins (monomeric units are amino acids).
Thus, enzymes are also polymers.

Q8 Can nucleic acids, proteins and starch be considered as step growth polymers?

Sol. Step growth polymers are condensation polymers. Proteins, starch and nucleic
acids can be considered as step-growth polymers. Those polymers in which
monomers possess bifunctional or trifunctional functional groups can combine by
the loss of a simple molecule.

Q9 To have practical applications why are cross-links required in rubber?

Sol. In order to increase the quality of rubber, cross-linking is done which helps to
increasing elastomeric properties and thermal stability.
Polymers

18.
 Q10 Why does cis-polyisoprene possess elastic property?

Sol. cis-polyisoprene has a coiled structure and does not have a straight chain. It can
be streched like a spring. On stretching, the molecules become partially aligned
with respect to each other and on withdrawing the force, the chains come back
to their original coild state.

Q11 What is the structural difference between HDP and LDP? How does the
structure account for different behaviour and nature, hence the use of a
polymer?

Sol. Low density polymer is a low density structure which has branched structure
and high density polymer is a high-density polymer which has a linear structure.
Low density polymer is a lower melting point and flexible whereas high density
polymer is chemically inert and has a higher melting point.

Q12 Assertion: Rayon is a semi-synthetic polymer and is taken as a better choice

than cotton fabric.
Reason: Mechanical and aesthetic properties of cellulose can be improved by
acetylation.

Sol. Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason explain the assertion.

Q13 Which factor imparts crystalline nature to a polymer like nylon?

Sol. One molecule of Nylon can join another by intermolecular H –bonding which is
present between two terminal groups –C=O and –NH. Since intermolecular H –
bonding is relatively strong, it can lead to close packing of chains that impacts the
crystalline character of Nylon.

Q14 Name the polymers used in laminated sheets and give the name of monomeric
units involved in its formation.

Sol. Urea-formaldehyde resin is used in laminated sheets. For the formation of

Polymers

laminated sheets, urea and formaldehyde are the monomeric units.

19.
 Q15 Which of the follownig polymer is stored in liver of animals?
(1) Amylose (2) Cellulose (3) Amylopectin (4) Glycogen

Sol. (4)
Glycogen is a multibranched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as a form of
energy storage in animals.
Glycogen is the analogue of starch, a glucose polymer in plants, having a siimilar
structure of amylopectin, but more extensively branched and compact than starch.
Starch is polymer of a-glucose and consist of two components anylose and
amylopectin.
Amylose is water soluble component which constitutes about 15-20% of starch.
Amylose and amylopectin is involuble in water and constitutes about 80-85% of
starch.
Amylose and amylopectin are the main storage polysaccharide of plants. Cellulose
occurs exclusively in plants and it is the most abundant organic substance in plant
kingdom. it is a predominant constituent of cell wall of plants cells.

Q16 Natural ruberr is a polymer of

(1) cis-isoprene (2) trans-isoprene
(3) both (1) and (2) (4) None of the above

Sol. (1)
Natural rubber is a polymer of cis-isoprene,
[2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene].

CH3
|
CH2  C CH  CH2

Q17 A condensation polymer among the following polymers is

(1) teflon (2) polystyrene
(3) PVC (4) dacron

Sol. (4)
The polymer formed by the condensation polymerisation is known as condensation
polymer. Dacron (terylene) is a condensation polymer. It is formed by the
Polymers

condensation polymerisation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.

20.
Chapter Summary

1. Have high molecular mass and formed by union of monomers.

2. Chain growth polymers or addition polymers are formed by successive addition

of monomers without loss of simple molecules like H2O, NH3 etc.

3. Step growth or condensation polymers :

these are formed through series of independent steps. Each step involves
condensation between two monomers leading to formation of polymers. More
than one monomer unit is involved.

4. Homopolymers :
Polymers made of same monomer.

5. Copolymers :
Polymers made of different types of monomers.

6. Elastomers :
The strands of polymer are held together by weak inter molecular forces (van der
wall’s). e.g. - Vulcanised rubber.

7. Fibres are held together by hydrogen bonds. e.g. - nylon, polyester, polyamide.

8. Thermoplastics can be easily moulded on heating. They don’t have cross-links,

e.g.- polyethene.

9. Thermosetting polymers have cross links, cannot be remolded on heating. e.g. -

Bakelite.

10. Plastisizer are high boiling esters which are added to plastic to make it soft and
rubber like.
Polymers

21.
 SOME COMMON ADDITION POLYMERS/ CHAIN GROWTH POLYMER (HOMOPOLYMERS)

S.
Name(s) Formula Monomer Uses
No.

film wrap,
Polyethylene CH2=CH2
1. –(CH2-CH2)n– plastic
(low density (LDPE)) (ethylene)
bags

electrical
Polyethylene (high CH2=CH2 insulation
2. –(CH2-CH2)n–
density (HDPE)) (ethylene) bottles,
toys

similar to
Polypropylene (PP) CH2=CHCH3 LDPE
3.
different grades (propylene) carpet,
upholstery

pipes,
Poly vinyl chloride CH2=CHCl
4. siding,
(PVC) (vinyl chloride)
flooring

CH2=CCl2 seat
Poly(vinylidene
5. (vinylidene covers,
chloride) (Saran A)
chloride) films

toys,
Polystyrene (PS) CH2=CHC6H5 cabinets
6.
(Styron) (styrene) packaging
(foamed)

rugs,
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN, CH2=CHCN
7. blankets
Orlon, Acrilan) (acrylonitrile)
clothing

non-stick
CF2=CF2
Polytetrafluoroethyl- surfaces
8. –(CF2-CF2)n– (tetrafluoroethyl-
ene (PTFE, Teflon) electrical
ene)
insulation
Polymers

22.
 Poly(methyl CH2=C(CH3) lighting
methacrylate) –[CH2C(CH3) CO2CH3 covers,
9.
(PMMA, Lucite, CO2CH3]n– (methyl signs
Plexiglas, perspex) methacrylate) skylights

latex
Poly(vinyl acetate) –(CH2- CH2=CHOCOCH3
10. paints,
(PVAc) CHOCOCH3)n– (vinyl acetate)
adhesives

requires
–[CH2- CH2=CH- vulcaniza-
11. CH=C(CH3)- C(CH3)=CH2 tion
CH2]n– (isoprene) for
practical

synthetic
Polychloroprene (cis +
–[CH2- CH2=CH-CCl=CH2 rubber
12. trans)
CH=CCl-CH2]n– (chloroprene) oil
(Neoprene)
resistant

Some Condensation POLYMERS (Step Growth Polymers)

S.
Name(s) Formula Monomer Uses
No.

HO2C C6H4 CO2H

Polyester/ (Terephthalic Copolymer
1. Dacron/ acid) HO– Step growth,
Terylene/Mylar CH2CH2–OH Linear Polymer
Ethylene glycol

HO2C–C6H4–CO2H Copolymer
Glyptal or (Phthalic acid) Step growth,
2.
Alkyds resin HO–CH2CH2–OH Linear Polymer
Polymers

23.
 (HO—C6H4—)2
C(CH3)2 Copolymer
Polycarbonate
3. (Bisphenol A) Step growth,
Lexan
X2C=O (X = OCH3 linear Polymer
or Cl)

HO2C–(CH2)4– Copolymer
Polyamide
4. CO2H H2N– Step growth,
(Nylon 6,6) ~[CO(CH2)4CO–NH(CH2)6NH]n~
(CH2)6–NH2 Linear Polymer

HOOC–(CH2)8– Copolymer
5. Nylon 6,10 COOH Step growth,
H2N–(CH2)6–NH2 Linear Polymer

Copolymer
PhOH + HCHO in Cross-linked
6. Bakelite
(excess) polymer Step
growth

Copolymer
Urea- H2N–CO–NH2
Step growth
7. formaldehyde (–NH–CO–NH–CH2–)n (Urea)
Cross-linked
resin HCHO
polymer
(Formaldehyde)

Melamine
Melamine + Cross-linked
8. formaldehyde
Formaldehyde polymer
resin
Polymers

24.
 Some Useful Copolymers

Monomer A Monomer B Copolymer Uses

H2C=CHCl H2C=CCl2 Saran films & fibers

H2=CH–CH=CH2 Buna Rubber In manufacture of

1, 3-Butdiene (Homo-polymer) tyres, hoses, etc.

SBR styrene
H2C=CH-
H2C=CHC6H5 butadiene Tires
CH=CH2
rubber (Buna-S)

H2C=CH- Nitrile Rubber

H2C=CHCN Adhesives hoses
CH=CH2 (Buna-N)

H2C=CH-
H2C=CHCN CH=CH2 + ABS rubber Fuel tanks
H2C=CHC6H5

Polymers

25.