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Research in Polymeric Materials - Current Status and Future Potential

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 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

Research in Polymeric Materials - Current Status and Future Potential

Dr. D.P. Singh*

Acoustics Research Center, 215 M. V. Blvd., Mississauga, ON, Canada
*drdpsn@gmail.com

Since ancient times, polymers have been part of our natural world. People used1 polymers
such as cellulose, starch, and natural rubber, in their life but they did not know it well almost
until World War II. In present times, polymers' applications have been much highlighted in
diverse fields of science, technology and industry. The product made from polymers are all
around us. Current applications extend from adhesives, coatings, foams, and packaging materials
to textile and industrial fibers, composites, electronic devices, biomedical devices, optical
devices, and precursors for many newly developed high-tech ceramics. The list is almost endless.
These manifold uses of polymers have immensely helped to raise our living standard.

POLYMERS AND THEIR TYPES

The word “polymer” refers to large molecules whose structure is composed of multiple
repeating units2-3. Polymers consist of many small molecules, named monomers, that are linked
together by covalent bonds to form long chains. The term was coined in 1833 by Jons Jacob
Berzelius4-5. The modern concept of polymers as covalently bonded macromolecular structures
was proposed in 1920 by Herman Staudinger6.
Based on their source of origin, polymers can be classified in three types: natural, semi-
synthetic and synthetic or manmade. Natural polymers e.g. proteins, cellulose, starch, resins
and rubber etc., are found in plants and animals. Semi-synthetic polymers e.g. Nitrocellulose
etc., are made by chemically treating a natural polymer. Synthetic polymers e.g. nylon,
polyethylene, polyester, and teflon etc., are derived from petroleum, and made by scientists and
engineers. More than 330 million tons of these polymers are made every year.
Based on the backbone chain of a polymer, they are classified as: Organic, Inorganic and
Hybrid. The backbone chain of an organic polymer is essentially made of carbon atoms. The
atoms attached to the side valencies of the backbone carbon atoms are usually H, O and N etc.
The majority of synthetic polymers are organic. If the backbone chain of a polymer contains no
carbon atom, then it is called inorganic polymer. Examples are glass and silicone rubber.
Polymers containing inorganic and organic components are called hybrid polymers.
Based on their structure, polymers can also be classified as: Linear, Branched and Cross-
linked. Linear polymers e.g. PVC etc., consist of long and straight chains. Branched polymers
e.g. low density polyethylene etc., contain linear chains having some branches. Cross-linked
Polymers e.g. vulcanized rubber, urea-formaldehyde resins, etc. are usually contain strong
covalent bonds between various linear polymer chains.
Based on composition, polymers can be classified as: homopolymer and copolymer.
Homopolymer e.g. polystyrene. results from the polymerization of a single monomer. When two
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

or more types of monomers are joined in the same polymer chain, the polymer is called a
copolymer. Example is ethylene-vinyl acetate. There are some other classification of polymers
which are based on their mode of polymerisation and types of forces prevalent in these materials.
Organic polymers, based on their structures and physical properties, can be divided into
four classes. Fibers: These are thread formers, often used to make cloth. Silk, nylon, polyester,
and cotton are all fibers. Thermoplastics: These materials (e.g. polyethylene) are flexible at high
temperatures. Elastomers: Stretchy polymers like rubber and spandex are elastomers, as they
demonstrate elastic deformation. Thermosets: Epoxy resins and some polycarbonates harden so
its shape is "set", belong to this category.

POLYMER STUDIES - WHY DO WE NEED IT?

Polymers permeate almost every aspect of our daily life. It is difficult to imagine society
without synthetic and natural polymers. Polymer products are usually lightweight, hard, strong,
and flexible, and may have special thermal, electrical, or optical characteristics. Because of their
low cost, high specificity, and adaptability, polymers have a very wide range of applications. For
a given application, the properties of a polymer can be tuned or enhanced by combination with
other materials, as in composites. Their application allows to save energy (lighter cars and
planes, thermally insulated buildings), protect food and drinking water (packaging), save land
and reduce use of fertilizers (synthetic fibres), preserve other materials (coatings), protect and
save lives (hygiene, medical applications). This lead to the researchers' interest in studying
polymeric materials.

CURRENT RESEARCH TRENDS AND THEIR DIVERSITY

Fundamental polymer research7 is inherently interdisciplinary, spanning chemistry,

physics, engineering, and even biological aspects. A newcomer to polymer science requires
enough ability to mix together the vast knowledge from all aforementioned fields. Current
research trends in polymer research are briefly outlined hereafter.
Pure Polymers: Research studies are being done to understand physical and chemical changes
in inert polymers by using several techniques such as mechanical milling, thermal variations,
viscosity flow measurements, acoustical, and optical methods. Polymer degradation studies are
done to understand the degradation processes in them, when subjected to external stimuli.
Polymer Blends: Polymer blends are made from the combination of two or more polymer
components. They have incredible applications due to their unique mechanical, electrical, and
optical properties. Their miscibility, phase separation, morphology, application, and other
fundamental properties are being investigated by researchers. Polymer blends are being used in
synthesis of nanocomposites for improved chemical and mechanical properties, catalysis,
medical applications, electronics, & membranes.
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

Polymer Nanoparticles: Polymeric nanoparticles are being investigated as potent vectors for
vaccine delivery targeting cancer and infectious diseases. Polymeric carriers are easy to
synthesize, inexpensive, biocompatible, biodegradable, non-immunogenic, non-toxic, and water
soluble. Cationic polymers produce more stable complexes leading to a more protection during
cellular trafficking than cationic lipids.
Biopolymers: The lack of biodegradability, environmental concerns and the depletion of the oil
have promoted research to develop biopolymers, as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Biopolymers can be extracted from biomass, e.g. polysaccharides from cellulose, or can be
produced from bio monomers e.g. polylactic acid, or directly in microorganisms e.g. as
polyhydroxyalkanoates. Biopolymers exhibit lower end-use properties, crystallisation kinetics
and processability than conventional polymers. Consequently, a major research effort is currently
in progress to improve mechanical properties, crystallisation kinetics, thermal resistance and
barrier properties of biopolymers.
Polymer nano-composites: Polymer matrices impregnated with nanofillers such as gold (for
low index matrix) and lead sulfide (PbS) (for very high index matrix), finds application in filters,
optical wave guides, optical adhesives, and solar cells. There are varieties of characterization
methods to study the nanocomposites. Refractive index measurement, UV absorption,
transparency and luminescence techniques are being used to investigate such systems.
Polymer Solutions: Aqueous solutions of polymers are being studied to understand their
behaviors in enhanced oil recovery applications. Their stability, viscoelasticity, and propagation
properties are also being analyzed under simulated reservoir conditions. The effect of thermal
aging on polymer solutions are being studied using rheological measurements. Ultrasonic
degradation of polymer chain in solutions is being investigated. Static and dynamic properties of
polymer solutions and melts are being studied by means of modern scattering techniques, to
understand polymer molecular motions.
Polymer Electrolytes: The characters and composition of polymer electrolytes for
electrochromic devices is being studied by many researchers. The main four types of the polymer
electrolytes: dry solid polymer electrolyte, gel polymer electrolyte, porous gel polymer
electrolyte and composite solid polymer electrolyte have been investigated in the past. Attempts
are in progress to develop new types of polymer electrolytes including proton-conducting,
alkaline, single ionic polymer electrolytes and electrolytes with ionic liquids.

OUR CURRENT INITIATIVE

During the last few years, we have completed theoretical studies of several polymeric
systems. The focus has been to understand/predict the properties and features of polymers and
theirs solutions, using kinetic theory, constitutive equations, structure–property relationships,
and polymerization kinetics. Various theoretical models for pure polymers, polymer blends and
polymer solutions using ultrasonic velocity, density, viscosity and refractive index data, have
been investigated, to understand the molecular behaviour of these systems. Comparisons of
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

predicted and actual data for various acoustical and thermodynamical parameters, with variations
in composition and temperature, are done to check the validity of models for describing
multicomponent mixtures. The researchers8-13 at Chitkara University, Punjab, India, in
collaboration with Acoustics Research Center, Canada have successfully published their findings
in various prestigious research journals published from Germany, USA, Canada, and India.

POLYMER RESEARCH: FUTURE POTENTIALITIES

Researchers are experimenting with many different types of polymers, aiming to further
medicine development14 and enhance products we already use. For example, carbon polymers
are being developed and enhanced for the automotive industry. Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer
composites are the next-generation materials for making cars lighter, more fuel efficient and
safer. Polymers are also being used to enhance holograms. This new hologram device can hold
several images instead of just one and by just stretching the polymer, you can basically change
the image. Another example is artificial skin made of a silicone polymer. It may be the future of
anti-aging efforts. Artificial skin is likely to be used to tighten a person's skin, reduce the
appearance of wrinkles and diminish under-eye bags. It may also be used to help those with skin
conditions, such as eczema, or be used as sun block. The future applications of polymer are
endless! The following is a brief summary15 of the current and promising polymer research
topics.

Polymers for new Applications

(i) Polymers as biomaterials: Examples of usage are Seasickness patches, Prostheses—hip

cups, lenses, orthopedic implants, denture bases, fillings, sutures, heart valves, organs, vascular
grafts, hernia mesh, catheters, syringes, diapers, blood bags, artificial limbs, ligaments,
packaging. Controlled release of medicine and Diagnostics.
(ii) Polymers with high quality electronic properties: Examples of usage are Dielectrics,
Synthetic metals and battery materials, Sensors, Lithographic resists, Photonic materials, Light-
emitting diodes and displays, Electrophotography, Holography, Fuel cells, Solar cells
(iii) Growing use of blends and composites:
This is done to obtain “tailored” properties, such as High-strength, high-modulus fibers,
Enhanced matrix choices, “Tailored” mechanical properties, High-stability toughening additives,
High-temperature options, Understanding of failure mechanisms.
(iv) Continuing substitution of polymers for metals and other materials: for usage in
Aircraft, space vehicles, Automobiles, Clothing, Machined parts, Construction, Electronics,
Marine structures and vehicles.
(v) Growing use of polymeric materials for wide variety of military items : such as Bullet-
proof clothing, Uniforms and Aircraft weight reduction.
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

Techniques

(i) Enhanced characterization capability: It is done through computer and electronic advances
such as at Molecular level: colligative, light scattering, centrifuged separation, NMR, UV,
FTIR, RAMAN spectroscopy; for Solutions & Melts: rheology, diffusion, viscous and
acoustical investigations, neutron scattering; for Solid state studies: synchrotron x-ray and
electron spectroscopy, TEM, soft x-ray microscopy, mechanical testing; for Surface analysis:
XPS, depth profiling, SIMS, SFA, AMF, LFM; for New microscopies: confocal and scanning
tunneling.
(ii) Emergence of synthetic means for control of polymer structures: Example are
Coordination catalysts, Biocatalysis, enzyme synthesis, biological organisms for synthesizing
monomers and polymers, Ring-opening metathesis polymerization, Hybrid organic-inorganic
materials synthesis, sol gel formation, Dendritic polymers, Composites with tailored transport,
electrical, or optical properties
(ii) Evolution of polymer theory: Evolution of polymer theory is being done with emphasis
on computer modeling and simulation, for States of matter: solutions, crystalline, amorphous,
LCs, blends, block polymers, copolymers, interfaces, surfaces; Dynamic properties: rheology,
mechanical properties, electro-activity.
(iv) Growing understanding of structure-property relationships: such as Finite-element
analysis, Flow modeling, rheology, Simulation of structures of composites, blends, crystalline
polymers.
(v) Continuing reduction of environmental threats: such as Elimination of toxic components,
Replacement of plastics by natural materials, Continuing search for viable recycling strategies,
Blending: properties of mixtures.

POLYMER RESEARCH STUDIES OPTIONS IN CANADA

Polymer research has been carried out in Canada for many years. In the period between
1918-1943 much of this work was carried out at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. By late
1943, the Canadian Government agreed to supply funds to stimulate research in the synthetic
rubber field. The research grants were awarded through a committee of the National Research
Council set up for this purpose. During the last few years, several research labs have been
established in Canada by various international companies, e.g. Dow, du Pont, Union Carbide,
Canadian Industries Ltd., and Shawinigan Chemical Company. The largest industrial research
effort in the polymer field is probably that carried out at Polymer Corporation. Since several
years, National Research Council Laboratories is working on long-range problems in synthetic
polymer chemistry.
Those aspirants, who want to pursue higher education in polymer science, can do so at
various institutes in Canada. A brief introduction to various institutes / universities providing
facilities for such studies is reported here. Institute for Polymer Research16, University of
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

Waterloo, Canada carries out applied and fundamental research in areas that are of vital interest
to the plastics, coatings, adhesives and elastomers industries. It includes work in such diverse
fields as molecular weight characterization, thermal characterization, emulsion polymerization,
polymer processing, polymerization kinetics, copolymerization, reactive extrusion, polymer-
based catalysts, polymer photochemistry and development of new monomers and polymers. The
University of Waterloo has a very strong graduate in Polymer Science and Engineering.
Bio-based Polymeric Materials and Engineering17, M.Sc. is a full-time program available
at the By-products Discovery and Development Centre, University of Guelph. Master of Science
and Doctor of Philosophy, program in Polymer Chemistry are being offered by Department of
Chemistry, University of Toronto18, Toronto, Canada. Materials & Polymer Chemistry
Department, at the University of British Columbia19-20 (UBC), Vancouver, is home to state of the
art instrumentation for characterization, ranging from mass spectrometry, imaging and
microscopy, non-linear optics, and myriad spectroscopic tools. The Advanced Materials &
Process Engineering Laboratory, at the UBC, provides a unique interdisciplinary approach to
research in materials science.
To understand and control the molecular processes underlying nanotechnology, designing
new techniques for assembling polymers, and to create light and high-strength polymers
McMaster University21 in collaboration with Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council, Canada is providing special opportunities for researchers in this field. Similar study
opportunities are also available at University of Ottawa, Universite Laval, Quebec. and at
Western University, London.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymers are the building blocks of current materials science. Researchers are studying
various latest techniques for manufacturing specialized, high-value polymers. Thereby, they are
trying to find ways to overcome the long-standing expenses and inefficiencies associated with
producing polymers. They are also developing the potential of such processes for sophisticated
biomedical and pharmaceutical agents.
By integrating a number of different approaches to the production of new polymeric
materials, researchers are pointing the way to a number of ambitious applications. By exploring
the use of nanotechnology, the engineering of polymers at the molecular level, by employing
chemical agents, the researcher are finding methods to understand and control the molecular
processes. Thereby they will be able to make valuable products such as light, yet high-strength
polymers. The field is large and will continue to have a great impact on all levels of society for
the foreseeable future. The research opportunities in the field of noble polymeric materials are
numerous and are beckoning the new researchers to take up the cudgels.
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

REFERENCES

1. M. N. Belgacem, A. Gandini, Monomers, Polymers and Composites from Renewable

Resources, Elsevier, (2011).
2. H-G. Elias, An Introduction to Polymer Science, Weinheim: VCH, (1997).
3. F. W. Billmeyer, Textbook of Polymer Science, New York: Wiley– Interscience, (1971).
4. Jöns Jacob Berzelius, "Isomeri, dess distinktion från dermed analoga förhållanden,"
Årsberättelse om Framstegen i Fysik och Kemi, (1832) pp. 65–70.
5. William B. Jensen, "Ask the Historian: The origin of the polymer concept," Journal of
Chemical Education. 85/5, 624–625 (2008).
6. H. Staudinger, "Über Polymerisation" [On polymerization], Berichte der Deutschen
Chemischen Gesellschaft (in German). 53/6, 1073–1085 (1920).
7. ACS Chemistry for Life, Polymer Chemistry,
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/areas-of-chemistry/polymer-
chemistry.html
8. D. P. Gupta, A. Upmanyu, M. Dhiman, M., P. Kumar, K. Singh, and D. P. Singh,
Ultrasonic Investigations of Effective Debye Temperature, pseudo-Gruneisen Parameter,
and Bayer’s Nonlinear Parameter of Some Polymers and Their Blends in Dimethyl
formamide at 303.15K, Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, 2/1, 97-101(2020).
9. M. Dhiman, K. Singh, J. Kaushal, A. Upmanyu, and D. P. Singh, Ultrasonic Study of
Molecular Interactions in Polymeric Solution of Polypropylene Glycol-400 and Ethanol at
303 K, Acta Acustica united with Acustica, 105/5, 743-752 (2019).
10. D. P. Singh and Arun Upmanyu, Acoustical Investigations of Molecular Interactions in
Polymer Solutions of PAN/Clay nano-Composites and DMSO, Journal of Polymer and
Biopolymer Physics Chemistry 2/4, 73-77(2014).
11. Arun Upmanyu and D. P. Singh, Ultrasonic Studies of Molecular Interactions in Polymer
Solution of the Polyisobutylene (PIB) and Benzene, Acta Acustica united with Acustica,
100/3, 434-439 (2014).
12. M. Dhiman, K. Singh, D. P. Gupta, D. P. Singh, and Arun Upmanyu, Study of excess
acoustical and thermo-dynamical parameters of binary solutions of polypropylene glycol-
400 and n-alkanols at 303 K, Proc. 3rd International Conference on Condensed Matter and
Applied Physics (ICC-2019), AIP Conf. Proc. 2220, 080001 (2020).
13. K. Singh, M. Dhiman, P. Kumar, D.P. Gupta, D. P. Singh and Arun Upmanyu, Thermo-
acoustic investigations of molecular interactions in CuO nano particles contained aqueous
solutions of some glycols, Proc. 3rd International Conf. on Condensed Matter & Applied
Physics(ICC-2019), AIP Conf. Proc. 2220, 020087 (2020).
14. https://www.livescience.com/60682-polymers.html
15. "Appendix A: Current and Promising Polymer Research Topics." National Research
Council. Polymers. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC., USA, (1995).
 Invited Talk -Proc. National Conference on Advances in Applied Sciences and Mathematics,
NCASM-20, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India, 24-25 Sept. 2020

16. https://uwaterloo.ca/institute-polymer-research/graduate-studies/graduate-students-and-
thesis-areas
17. https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/about-us/employment/msc-bio-based-polymeric-materials-
and-engineering
18. http://www.canadian-universities.net/Universities/Programs/Graduate-Studies-
Polymer_Chemistry-Greater_Toronto_Area.html
19. https://www.chem.ubc.ca/materials-polymer-chemistry
20. http://www.ampel.ubc.ca/
21. https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/chairholders-titulaires/profile-eng.aspx?profileID=144#
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. D. P. Singh, M.Sc., Ph.D., P.E.S.1 (Ex.) is a Physicist by training, teacher by profession and
author by choice. He has over 70 research papers in Physics, two dozen books, 1000 general
articles, 26 chapters in edited books, 25 book reviews and 70+ TV/ Youtube presentations on
various aspects of science, environment and religion. At present he is working as Director,
Acoustics Research Center, Mississauga, Canada. E-mail: drdpsn@gmail.com

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