Classification of Polymers

Sources Structure Mode of Molecular Forces

Polymerisation
● Natural ● Linear ● Elastomers
● Addition
● Semi ● Cross ● Fibres
synthetic Linked ● Condensation ● Thermoplastic
● Synthetic ● Branched
● Thermo Setting
 Classification based on source of origin
NATURAL POLYMER Synthetic polymers
● Found in plants and animals. ● These polymers are prepared in
the laboratory.
● Examples: Proteins, cellulose,
starch, resins and rubber
● Polyethylene, Nylon-6,6, Dacron
& Polyacrylonitrile (PAN).
Semi-synthetic polymers
● Found in plants and animals then
modified in the laboratory.
● Examples : Cellulose acetate
(rayon) & Cellulose nitrate.
 Classification based on structure of polymers

Linear polymers Branched chain polymers Cross linked or Network polymers

● These polymers consist of long
and straight chains
● Examples : High density
polythene, Polyvinyl chloride
● These polymers contain linear
having some branches.
● Examples : Low density
polythene.
● formed from bi-functional and
trifunctional monomers and
contain strong covalent bonds
between various linear polymer
chain

● Examples : Bakelite, Melamine.

 Classification based upon molecular force

Elastomers Fibres Thermoplastics Thermosetting polymers

● These are rubber like ● Fibres are the thread ● These are the linear or ● These polymers are cross linked or heavily
forming solids which slightly branched long chain branched molecules, which on heating
solids with elastic
possess high tensile molecules capable of undergo extensive cross linking in moulds
properties.
strength and high repeatedly softening on and again become infusible. These cannot be
● Examples: Buna-S, modulus. heating and hardening on reused.
cooling.
Buna-N, Neoprene,
● Examples: ● Examples : Polythene, ● Examples : Bakelite, urea-formaldehyde
etc.
Polyamides (Nylon polystyrene, polyvinyls, etc. resins, etc.
6,6), polyesters
(terylene), etc
 Classification based on mode of Polymerisation

Addition polymers Condensation polymers

● formed by the repeated addition of monomer ● Formed by repeated condensation reaction between two
molecules possessing double or triple bond. different bi-functional or tri-functional monomeric units.
● Elimination of small molecules such as water. alcohol,
● Examples : Polythene, Buna-S, Buna-N hydrogen chloride. etc.

● Examples : Nylon-6, 6, Terylene.

 Homo - Polymers Co - Polymers

● Only one monomer os there ● More than one type of monomer is there

● Examples : Polythene, PVC, Teflon. ● Examples : Buna S, Buna N.

Addition Polymers
 Polyethylene

● Low density polythene is used in the insulation of electricity carrying wires and
manufacture of squeeze bottles, toys and flexible pipes.
● High density polythene is used for manufacturing buckets, dustbins, bottles,
pipes, etc
 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

● PVC is used in the manufacturing of rain coats, hand bags, vinyl flooring, water
pipes, imitation leather, floor covering and gramophone records.
 Polystyrene

● Polystyrene is used as insulator, wrapping material, manufacture of toys, radio

and television cabinets.
 Polyacrylonitrile

● Polyacrylonitrile is used as a substitute for wool in making commercial fibres as

orlon or acrilan.
 Teflon (PTFE)

● Teflon is used in making oil seals, valves and gaskets and it is also used for
non-stick surface coated utensils.
 Natural Rubber

● In the vulcanization process, raw rubber is mixed with small amount of sulphur
and heated. Use of external sulphur increases the cross-linking and toughness.
● used in rubber bands and tyre rubber
 Buna-N

● It is used in making oil seals, tank lining, etc.

 Buna-S

● Buna-S is used for the manufacture of auto tyres, floor tiles, footwear
components, cable insulation, etc
Condensation Polymers
 Dacron

● Dacron fibre (terylene) is crease resistant and is used in blending with cotton and
wool fibres and also as glass reinforcing materials in safety helmets, etc.
 Glyptal

● Glyptal is used as manufacture of paints and lacquers.

 Nylon-6

● Nylon-6 is used for the manufacture of tyre cords, fabrics and ropes.
 Nylon-6,6

Adipic acid Hexamethylenediamine

● Nylon-6, 6 is used in making sheets, bristles for brushes and in textile industry
 Novalac

● It is linear polymer of formaldehyde & phenol

● Novalac is used in paints

 Bakelite

● It is cross linked polymer of formaldehyde & phenol

● Bakelite is used for making combs, phonograph records, electrical switches,

handles of various utensils & computer discs.
 Urea formaldehyde Resin

Urea Formaldehyde

● Urea formaldehyde Resin is used for making unbreakable cups and laminated
sheets.
 Melamine — formaldehyde polymer

● Melamine formaldehyde resin is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery.

Biodegradable Polymers
 Poly β-hydroxybutyrate – co-β-hydroxy valerate (PHBV)

● PHBV is used in speciality packaging, orthopaedic devices and in controlled release of drugs.
 Nylon 2–nylon 6

Glycine amino caproic acid

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