Polymeric materials.

Polymerisation mechanism -
polymerisation may be defined as the union of two smaller molecules of similar or different types with or without
elimination of water, resulting in the formation of new C-C linkages. The mechanism by which polymerisation takes
place, maybe addition or condensation. A monomer
(a monomer is a molecule that can react together with other monomer molecule to form a large polymer chain)
for polymerisation should be by a poly functional. That is, it must contain two or more functional groups.
Linear chain polymers are formed by reaction of bi-functional molecule.
In case of a poly functional groups, the monomer molecules are connected to each other by covalent bonds and form a
three dimensional network.
Addition polymerisation -
It may be defined as a reaction that yields a product, which is an exact multiple of the original monomeric molecule.
The addition, polymerisation reactions can take place only by the application of heat, light, pressure or catalyst.
Ethylene to polyethylene is an example of addition polymerisation
Co-polymerisation is a type of addition polymerisation, where simultaneous polymerisation of two or more chemically
different monomers takes place, resulting in the formation of a polymer, containing both monomers linked in one chain.
Styrene-Butadiene polymer is an example of co-polymerisation.
Condensation polymerisation-
It may be defined as the reaction between functional monomer molecules, leading to formation of a polymer, with the
elimination of small molecule, such as water HCL, etc
Bakelite plastic is one of the example
De polymerisation -
Also known as degradation, the polymerisation may occur when used for extended period of time, which team, as in
case of urea, formaldehyde, plastic, or due to thermal variations
Rubbers -
They are also known as elastomers.
and a high polymer, having the unique property of undergoing large deformation under load and return to their original ,
shape and dimension on its removal over to lengthening and shortening of springs of polymeric chains.
The un-stretched rubber molecules amorphous.
Classification –
It’s basically classified as natural synthetic and rubber like plastic.
Consist of basic material latex, dispersion of isoprene, which polymerises to form long coiled chain of
poly-isoprene.
The latex is obtained by making incisions in the bark of a rubber tree, allowing the sap to out. It is collected and diluted
to contain 15 to 20% of rubber and then strained to remove any dirt. Thereafter the rubber is coagulated by adding
acidic or formic acid. The coagulated rubber is then treated to produce crude rubber known as
crepe rubber
(is processed by coagulating rubber in the presence of a retarder then passed between the rollers of creeping
machine, and the most of the serum is squeezed out and sheet resembling crepe paper is formed)
and smoked rubber
(is prepared by pouring diluted latex into tanks, having sides with vertical groves and adding diluted formic or acetic
acid, the sheets are kept for four days in a smokehouse having temperature of 40 to 50°C)
which is further processed to produce commercial rubber.
Synthetic rubber is based on the model of a natural rubber. The possible number of synthetic rubber are unlimited, it is
so because all straight chain polymer can be made to specific requirements to produce rubber like properties.
However, the cheap price and easy availability of natural rubber has suppressed the demand of synthetic rubber
Some examples of synthetic rubber are styrene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber and silicon rubber.
Compounding of rubber-
The crude rubber is elastic in cold weather it is elastic whereas soft and sticky in hot weather. This defects are
removed by vulcanisation. A vulcanised rubber tyre may contain 3 to 5% of sulphur whereas a battery case rubber
contains as much as 30%. The vulcanisation process is however, slow and the product is porous, lacks sufficient
strength and deteriorates on prolonged exposure to atmosphere. Plasticisers such as stearic acid, resins, and fatty oils
are sometime incorporated in rubber composition.
Uses -
Rubber is more suitable material for conveyer belts, linings for tanks. Tires, gaskets, mountings, hoses, insulating,
coatings and toys.
Like cyclised rubber chlorinated rubber, is a modified form of natural rubber widely used in production of protective
coatings and adhesives. Rubber is also being used increasingly in manufacturer of foam rubber, which is used in
upholstery and furniture.
Plastics-
Plastics are made from resin with or without fillers, plasticisers and pigments. These are organic materials of high
molecular weight which can be moulded to any desired form when subjected to heat and pressure in the presence of
catalyst. A plastic named cellulose is invented in 1846 later AN 8090 cellulose and after since many type of plastics
were developed.
Plastic are replacing glass, ceramics and other building materials due to the low temperature range in which they can
be brought to the plastic state and the consequent ease of forming and fabrication and also for the low-cost and easier
availability. Plastic is widely divided into two types thermoplastic and thermosetting.
Thermoplastic -
Thermoplastic variety softens on heating and hardens on cooling. That is their hardness is a temporary property
subjected to change with raises of fall or temperature and can be brought again to plastic stage on heating.
Uses -
As a substituent of glass for doors and windows, insulation of electric cable, light fittings, Toys has a rigid form for
packing, drainage pipes, floor finishes, emulsion, paints, etc
Thermosetting plastic -
Thermosetting plastic cannot be reused. They require a great pressure and momentary heat during moulding and
finally get hardened on cooling, once solidified they cannot be softened.
Uses-
Electrical equipments, plugs, sockets, switches, ashtrays, knobs, handles, etc
Properties
Can be moulded to any desired shape or size and have High tensile and compressive strengths
Easy to work upon
Light and weight and a few varieties are glossy like glass
Cannot be attacked by insects and fungi
Available in design colour and texture
Required a little maintenance
Good electrical insulator and have low thermal conductivity
Can be sawn, drill, punched and welded easily
Resistance to weather conditions
Inflammable
Low manufacturing cost hence cheap
Deterioration under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays

Constituents –
The constituents of plastics are resin, plasticise, filler, pigment and dye, lubricant and catalyst.
> fabrication of commercial articles from plastic
The method used for fabrication of commercial articles plastic depends primarily on type resin used, shape, size and
thickness of the articles.
Commonly used fabrication methods are
Moulding,
Casting,
Lamination.

Applications of plastic -
Wall facing tiles,
Flooring tiles,
Flooring sheet,
Waterproofing membranes,
Pipes and sanitary appliances.

Mechanical properties of all plastics are sensitive to changes in temperatures.