Material Science

POLYMERS
John Lloyd S. Carulasan
John Richmer Labog
Johnwell Logatoc
Dan Angelo Andrade
WHAT IS POLYMER?
The term polymer is derived from two Greek words:
“poly” means many and “mer” means unit or part.
they are very large molecules that are made up of
thousands - even millions - of atoms that are bonded
together in a repeating pattern.
 molecular links in the polymer chain
repeat units
formed from one or more molecules called

monomers
 The structure of the repeat unit can vary widely and
depends on the raw materials that make up the polymer.

For example:
Polyethylene
the polymer used to make a wide variety
of plastic bags and containers, has a very
simple repeat unit, two carbons that are
bonded to one another to form a single
link.
Polymers are created through chemical reactions known as

Polymerizations
the majority are produced through two basic reaction
types.

Condensation Polymerization

Chain-growth Polymerization
CONDENSATION POLYMERIZATIONS

also called step-growth polymerizations

occur when two monomers react to yield a

repeat unit and a smaller molecule such as water
A great example of this type
of reaction is nylon
polymerization from
monomers with carboxylic
acids and basic amines. The
reaction (shown below) links
each monomer, produces
water as a by-product, and is
used to produce nylon fibers
for clothing.
CHAIN GROWTH POLYMERIZATIONS

occur when a monomer forms a highly reactive

free radical, or molecule with an unpaired
electron.
 The free radical reacts quickly
with another monomer and
causes a repeat unit with another
free radical.
A rapid chain reaction continues
the polymerization, and the
polymer chain continues to grow
longer.
One example of a polymer made
through chain-growth polymerization
is polystyrene, a polymer commonly
found in disposable drinking cups.
PROPERTIES OF
POLYMER
PROPERTIES OF POLYMER:
Low Density (light in weight)
Resistance to Chemicals
Thermal & Electrical insulator
Flexible, Soft and less brittle
Good plasticity (Easy molding)
Elasticity
Ability to absorb Shock, Sound and
Vibrations
Some are Transparent like Glass
Some can act as Adhesive
Can be given Attractive colors
DIFFERENT TERMS IN
POLYMERS
Polymer
- a polymer is defined as a substance having
very high molecular weight & is made of
many repeating small molecular units that
are joined to each other by the covalent
bond.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyester (PS)
Polyethylene (PE)
Nylon-6
Polypropylene (PP)
 TYPES OF POLYMER BASED ON THE
ORIGIN OF SOURCE
Natural Polymer Synthetic Polymer Semisynthetic
Polymers
- polymers that are - polymers which
isolated from are synthesized - these polymers
natural materials from low molecular are mostly derived
are called as weight compounds from naturally
Natural Polymers. are called as occurring polymers
(Cotton, silk, wool, Synthetic Polymers. by chemical
rubber) (Polyethylene, modification.
nylon, terylene) (Rayon)
TYPES OF POLYMERS BASE
ON HEAT EFFECT

Thermoplastics Thermosets Elastomers

THERMOPLASTICS
 Thermoplastics
A thermoplastic is a class of polymer
that can be softened through heating
and then processed using methods
such as extrusion, injection moulding,
thermoforming and blow moulding.
Thermoplastics harden once cooled
and do not show any changes in
chemical property after being heated
and cooled multiple times, making
them easily recyclable.
 Polyethylene Polypropylene

Polyvinyl
Polyamide THERMOPLASTICS chloride

Polystyrene Polycarbonate
 Thermosets
The starting material for a thermoset is a
liquid or soft solid. Heat provides energy for
covalent bond formation, cross-linking the
polymer subunits and curing/hardening the
plastic. Sometimes the heat is applied
externally, but it may come from the
chemical reaction of mixing ingredients.
Adding pressure, a catalyst, or a hardener
can increase the curing rate. Once cured, a
thermosetting plastic cannot be re-melted,
so it is formed into its final shape by
injection molding, extrusion molding,
compression molding, or spin casting.
 Bakelite Epoxy resin

Duroplast THERMOSETS Vinyl esters

Polyester resin Vulcanized

rubber
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERMOSETTING
PLASTIC AND THERMOPLASTIC

Heat makes a thermosetting plastic irreversibly rigid, but it

makes a thermoplastic moldable or pliable.
A thermoplastic then hardens again upon cooling.
Thermosetting plastics tend to be stronger than
thermoplastics because of internal cross-linking via covalent
bonds.
For the same reason, thermosetting plastics tend to have
higher corrosion resistance and hardness.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERMOSETTING
PLASTIC AND THERMOPLASTIC

On the other hand, thermosets are more likely to permanently

deform under a load and are more brittle than thermoplastics.
Thermosets cannot be reshaped, but they are perfect for
high-temperature applications, including electronics and
appliances.
Thermoplastics can be remolded and recycled.
Their strength, flexibility, and shrink-resistance make them
suitable for high-stress parts and plastics bags and
containers.
Types of Plastics
 Elastomers
Elastomers are polymers that have
viscosity and elasticity and
therefore are known as
viscoelasticity. The molecules of
elastomers are held together by
weak intermolecular forces and
generally exhibit low Young’s
modulus and high yield strength or
high failure strain. They inherit the
unique property of regaining their
original shape and size after being
significantly stretched.
 Polyurethanes

Natural rubber
Polybutadiene

ELASTOMERS

Neoprene
Silicone
CONDUCTING POLYMER
Polymers conduct electricity like metals, on doping.
Two types:
1. Extrinsically conducting polymer
2. Intrinsically conducting polymer

If they have the following structural requirement.

Must contain conjugation (i .e alternate 8 & π bond) throughout its
chain so that there are mobile electrons for conduction.
Highly crystalline & high planarity in structure.
Presence of aromatic rings in the chain with continuous resonance,
enhances conductivity.
Polymer has linear chain structure.
2 Types Of Conductor
INTRINSIC CONDUCTOR
1. These polymers are linear & have high planarity in structure &
possess conjugation (alternate double bond & single bond) in
the polymer chain.
2. When an electric field is applied, conjugated π electrons of the
polymer get excited & can be transported through the polymer.
3. An increase in conjugation increases the conductivity to the
largest extent.
Transpolyacetylene
Polyaniline
Poly(para)phenylene
Polypyrrole Polythiophene
2 Types Of Conductor
EXTRINSIC CONDUCTOR
If the polymers are made conducting by doping it is called extrinsic
conductors.
There are two types:
AJP-TYPE DOPING OR OXIDATIVE DOPING
Doping of suitable oxidizing agent to conjugated polymer chains.
(Lewis acid like 12, Br2, FeCl2, PF)
The oxidizing agents extract a pair of л electrons from chain &
make it a positively charged cation.
Delocalization of positive charge (hole) takes place over the
whole polymer chain & it becomes conducting.
APPLICATIONS
OF
POYMERS
APPLICATIONS OF POYMERS

Insulation Sensors and Actuators

Capacitors Flexible Electronics
Printed Circuit Boards Thermal Management
DISADVANTAGES OF POLYMERS

Combustible Costly

Temperature Limited
limitation Mechanical
strength
Not Biodegradable Softer
easily
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