Good

Morning!
 October 25, 2022

Polymers
A presentation by the

1st group
Topics to be

Discussed
Definition of Polymers
Chemical Structure of Polymers
Types of Polymers
Classification of Polymers
Properties of Polymers
 Fun Fact #1!
The suffix "mer" means unit. Thus, the term polymer means "many units", and in this

context, the term , "mer" refers to a unit group of atoms or molecules that defines a

characteristic arrangement for a polymer. Polymers consist of chains of molecules. The

chains have average molecular weight that range from 10,000 to more than 1 million

g/mol built by joining many mers through chemical bonding to form giant molecules

known as macromolecules.
 Fun Fact #2!
A compound use to make a polymer (and from
which the polymer's unit arise) is called
monomers
 Fun Fact

#3!
Polymers cannot be classified under one category

because of their complex structures, different

behaviours and vast applications.

 Fun Fact #4!
The first synthetic polymer is called bakelite. While,

the first plastic ever synthesized is called celluloid.

Polymers are substances
made up of recurring
structural units, each of
which can be regarded as
derived from a specific
compound called a
monomer.
What is

Polymers?
 Chemical

Structure of

Polymers
 Homochain Polymers
Homochain polymer have backbone made entirely

of single type of atom. Example is polyethylene

which have a backbone of C.

 Heterochain Polymers
Heterochain polymers have backbone made of

different types of atoms. Example is polyethylene

adipate with a backbone of C and O.

 Types of
Polymers
rgani c norganic
O I

Carbon backbone Backbone constituted by elements

other than carbon

 Organic Polymers
Backbone made essentially of carbon-carbon (C-C) links. A good

example of this would be polyethylene

 Inorganic Polymers
Backbone made of atoms other than carbon. An example of organic

polymer is polygermane.
 Biodegradable
Polymers
The polymers which are degraded and decayed by microorganisms

like bacteria are known as biodegradable polymers. These types of

polymers are used in surgical bandages, capsule coatings and in

surgery. For example, PHBV or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-

hydroxyvalerate)
 High Temperature
Polymers
These polymers are stable at high temperatures. Due to their high molecular

weight, these are not destroyed even at very high temperatures. They are

extensively used in the healthcare industries, for making sterilization

equipment and in the manufacturing of heat and shock-resistant objects.

 Classification of

Polymers based on

Occurence
There are three types of classification under this
category, namely, Natural, Synthetic, and Semi-
synthetic Polymers.
 het i c -Occur nthet
t l y s y ic
-
Syn

rin
al

i
Sem
r

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Natu
 Natural Polymers
They occur naturally and are found in plants and

animals. For example, proteins, starch, cellulose,

and rubber. To add up, we also have

biodegradable polymers called biopolymers.

 Synthetic Polymers
These are man-made polymers. Plastic is the
most common and widely used synthetic polymer.
It is used in industries and various dairy
products. For example, nylon-6, 6, polyether’s
etc.

 Semi-Synthetic Polymers
They are derived from naturally occurring

polymers and undergo further chemical

modification. For example, cellulose nitrate, and

cellulose acetate.

 Classification of
Polymers based on the
Structure of the
Monomer Chain
THIS CATEGORY HAS
THE FOLLOWING
CLASSIFICATION
 Linear Polymers
The structure of polymers containing long and
straight chains falls into this category. PVC, i.e. poly-
vinyl chloride, is largely used for making pipes and
electric cables is an example of a linear polymer.
 Branched-chain Polymers
When linear chains of a polymer form branches,
then such polymers are categorized as branched
chain polymers. For example, Low-density
polythene.
 Cross-linked Polymers
They are composed of bifunctional and
trifunctional monomers. They have a stronger
covalent bond in comparison to other linear
polymers. Bakelite and melamine are examples in
this category.
 Other ways to
Classify Polymers
 Classification Based on
Polymerization
★Addition Polymerization: For Example, poly
ethane, Teflon, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

★ Condensation Polymerization: Example,

Nylon -6, 6, perylene, polyesters.

 Classification Based on
Monomers
★Homomer: In this type, a single type of
monomer unit is present. For example,
Polyethene
★ Heteropolymer or co-polymer: It consists of
different types of monomer units. For example,
nylon -6, 6
 Classification Based on
Molecular Forces
★Elastomers: These are rubber-like solids weak
interaction forces are present. For example, Rubber.

★ Fibres: Strong, tough, high tensile strength and strong

forces of interaction are present. For example, nylon-6,
6.

 Classification Based on
Molecular Forces
★Thermoplastics: These have intermediate
forces of attraction. For example, polyvinyl
chloride.
★ Thermosetting polymers: These polymers greatly
improve the material's mechanical properties. It provides
enhanced chemical and heat resistance. For example,
phenolics, epoxies, and silicones.

 Few of the
important
polymers are:
 Polypropylene
It is a type of polymer that softens
beyond a specific temperature allowing it to

be moulded, and on cooling it solidifies. Due to

its ability to be easily moulded into various

shapes, it has a lot of applications.

 Polypropylene
A few of which are in stationary equipment's
automotive components, reusable container
speakers and much more. Due to its relatively
low energy surface, the polymer is fused with
the welding process and not using glue
 Polyethylene
It is the most common type of plastic
found around us. Mostly used in

packaging from plastic bags to plastic

bottles. There are differ types of

polyethene, but their common formula

(C2H4)n.
Properties of
Polymers
 Physical Properties
▪️ As chain length and cross-linking increase,
the tensile strength of the polymer increases.

▪️ Polymers do not melt, and they change state

from crystalline to semi-crystalline.
 Chemical Properties
Compared to conventional molecules with different side
molecules, the polymer is enabled by hydrogen bonding and
ionic bonding resulting in better cross-linking strength.

Dipole-dipole bonding side chains enable the polymer for high

flexibility.

Polymers with Van der Waals forces linking chains are

known to be weak but give the polymer a low melting point.
 Optical Properties
Due to their ability to change their refractive index with
temperature, as in the case of PMMA and HEMA: MMA,
they are used in lasers for applications in spectroscopy and
analytical applications.
Some Polymers and
their Monomers

Polypropylene
Polystyrene
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
urea-formaldehyde resin
Glyptal
Bakelite or
polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhy
dride
 Polymerization
Polymerization is the process by which small molecules
consisting of one unit (known as a monomer) or a few units
(known as oligomers) are chemically joined to create these
giant molecules. Polymerization normally begins with the
production of long chains in which the atoms are strongly
joined by covalent bonding. Most polymers are organic,
meaning that they are carbon-based; however, polymers
can be inorganic (e.g.. based on a Si-O network).

 Types of
Polymerization
Reactions
 Addition
Polymerization
This is also called as chain growth polymerization. In this, small

monomer units join to form a giant polymer. In each step, the

length of the chain increases. For example, Polymerization of

ethane in the presence of Peroxides.

 Condensation
Polymerization
In this type small molecules like H2O, CO, NH3 are eliminated during
polymerization (step growth polymerization). Generally, organic compounds
containing bifunctional groups such as idols, -dials, diamines, dicarboxylic
acids undergo this type of polymerization reaction. For example,
Preparation of nylon -6, 6.
 Short Quiz
1. A chain of repeating units (called monomers)
2. A polymer made in the laboratory (or industry) usually made from petrochemicals.
3. These polymers greatly improve the material's mechanical properties.
4. Polymers do not melt, and they change state from crystalline to .
5. The polymers which are degraded and decayed by microorganisms.
6. What does the suffix "mer" means?
7. What are the three classification of polymers based on occurence?
8. As chain length and cross-linking increase, the tensile strength of the polymer . .
9. It consists of different types of monomer units.
10. Polymers that occur naturally and are found in plants and animals.
 Short Quiz
11. What do you call the reaction in which polymers are created?
12. What is the first synthetic polymer?
13. What is the first plastic ever synthesized?
14. This is also called as chain growth polymerization.
15. It is the most common type of plastic found around us.
16. In this classification of monomer, a single type of monomer unit is present.
17. It is a type of polymer that softens beyond a specific temperature allowing it to be moulded, and on
cooling it solidifies.
18. These polymers are stable at high temperatures.
19. They are derived from naturally occurring polymers and undergo further chemical modification.
20. They are composed of bifunctional and trifunctional monomers.
 1. Polymers
2. Synthetic polymer
3. Thermosetting polymers
4. Semi-crystalline
5. Biodegradable polymers
6. Unit

Answer

7. Synthetic, Naturally -Occurring, and

Semi-synthetic
8. Increases

Key 9. Heteropolymer or co-polymer

10. Natural polymers
 11. Polymerization reaction
12. Bakelite
13. Celluloid
14. Addition polymerization
15. Polyethylene

Answer

16. Homomer
17. Polypropylene
18. High Temperature Polymers

Key 19. Semi-synthetic polymers

20. Cross-linked polymers
Jade Princess D. Dungaol
Julieanne Gail M.Racelis
Yhiena Anne N. Bacurin
Menchie B. Ledesma
Karl Joseph G. Esta
Lester C. Salen
Thank You For

Listening!