Science

Polymers
Applied Chemistry
 What is Polymer?
Monomers
 A long molecule made of a
lots of small molecule called
monomers. Most polymer
are hydrocarbons.
 It is derived from two Greek
words, “poly” means many
and “mer” means parts or
Polymer
units.
 Types of Polymers
Natural Polymer
Natural polymers are polymers
that are found naturally in our
environment. It is produced
from biological processes.
Synthetic Polymer
Synthetic polymers are polymers
that are produced artificially by
humans in a lab. It is produced
from chemical processes.

Both natural and synthetic, are created via polymerization of many small molecules,
known as monomers.
 Structure of Polymer
Physical properties of polymers depend not only on their
molecular weight/shape, but also on the difference in the
chain structure.

Linear Branched Cross-linked Network

Polymers Polymers Polymers Polymers
 Linear Polymers
 Polymers in which the units are connected end-to-end
along the whole length of the chain.
 These types of polymers are often quite flexible.
 Examples : polyethylene, teflon, PVC, polypropylene.
 Branched Polymers
 This leads to inability of chains to pack very closely
together.
 These branches are usually a result of side-reactions
during the polymerization of the main chain.
 Cross-linked Polymers
 Adjacent chains attached via covalent bonds.
 Many “rubbery” polymers are crosslinked to modify their
mechanical properties; in that case it is often called
vulcanization.
 Network Polymers
 Polymers that are “trifunctional” instead of bifunctional.
 There are three points on the units that can react.
 Examples : epoxies, phenol-formaldehyde polymers.
 Application of Polymers
Medicine : Many biomaterials especially heart
valve replacements and blood vessels are made up
of polymers like dacron, teflon.
 Application of Polymers
Consumer Science : Plastic containers of all shapes
and sizes are light weight and economically less
expensive than more traditional containers.
 Application of Polymers
Industry : Automobile parts, pipes, tanks, packing
material, adhesives are all polymer application
used in industrial market.
 Application of Polymers
Sports : Playground equipment, golf clubs,
swimming pools and protective helmets are
produced from polymers.
Plastics
 Plastics
 It comes from the Greek word
“plastikos” which means to mold.
 It is a synthetic material made
from a wide range of organic
polymers such as polyethylene,
PVC, nylon, etc., that can be
molded into shape while soft,
and then set into a rigid or
slightly elastic form.
History
 The first plastic was invented in
1862 by Alexander Parkes.
 At first plastic could only be
made in brown or black
(Bakelite) color.
 In 1930, Amino plastic had
been invented which could be lots
of bright colors.
 Properties of Plastics
 Plastic are strong, light weight, flexible and
durable.
 Plastic show superior optical properties (clarity,
glass and color).
 Plastic can be easily molded into a variety of
shape and sizes.
 Plastic have excellent mechanical strength tensile
properties, tear resistance and impact resistance.
 Sources
 Plastics are either found naturally
or are synthetic/man-made.
 The majority of everyday plastics
are synthetic.
 Natural Plastics
Plastic can be found naturally and occur
in such things as:
1. Plants – from which cellulose can be

extracted.
2. Trees – from which latex, amber and

resin can be extracted.

3. Animals - from which horn and milk

(used to make glues) are obtained.

4. Insects – from which shellac (used to

make polish) is obtained.

 Synthetic Plastics
 Most plastics used today are man-made, known as synthetic.
 The main source of synthetic plastic is crude oil, although coal and
natural gas are also used.
 Types of Plastics
 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
 High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)
 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
 Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
 Polypropylene (PP)
 Polystyrene (PS)
 Polycarbonate (PC)
 Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PETE)
This variety of plastic is widely used in disposable water bottles. It is
safe to use as long as it is disposed of within a short period of time.
This is because it often attracts bacteria. This plastic type is
recyclable.
 High-density
Polyethylene (HDPE)
Remember the plastic used in milk jugs, juice bottles and detergent
bottles? Products made of this plastic are opaque in color. This
plastic type is recyclable.
 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
This plastic type is durable and used to manufacture pipes, food
wraps and bottles that store various types of oil. This plastic type is
not recyclable.
 Low-density
Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is safe for human use but not exactly recyclable. It is used to
manufacture grocery bags and a variety of bottles.
 Polypropylene (PP)
Medicine bottles, straws and a variety of cups are made of
polypropylene. It is safe and recyclable.
 Polystyrene (PS)
Disposable cups, plates and containers are made of polystyrene.
This type of plastic is considered to feature toxic chemicals and
shouldn't be used too often. This type of plastic is not recyclable.
 Polycarbonate (PC)
Difficult to recycle, this plastic type is unpredictable. It is used in a
variety of items, from DVDs and iPods to sports and medical
equipment.
Rubber
 Rubber
A material that can be stretched and will retract rapidly
and forcibly to substantially its original dimensions upon
release off the force. There are two types of rubber,
natural and synthetic.
 History
 Mayan People are considered as the first people to
discover and use rubber.
 In 1736, rubber was introduced in France.
 In 1791, waterproof cloth with the help of rubber.
 In 1839, the process of vulcanization was discovered.
 In 1879, first synthetic rubber was made in laboratory.
 In 1910, first commercial synthetic rubber produced.
 In 1931, first successful synthetic rubber was manufactured
 Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is obtained from latex sap, a milky liquid present
in either the latex vessels (ducts) or in the cells of rubber-producing
plants.
 Latex Sap
 Latex is the protective fluid contained
in tissue beneath the bark of the
rubber tree.
 A cut is made in bark of the tree and
latex is allowed to exude into a
collecting vessel over a period of
hours.
 Latex is processed then dried, sorted
and smoked.
 Polyisoprene
 Polyisoprene is natural rubber that
are used in rubber bands, cut thread,
baby bottle nipples, and extruded
hoses, along with other such items.
 Polyisoprene that is mineral-filled
finds applications in footwear,
sponges, and sporting goods.
 Other important uses include
medical/health applications and
sealants and adhesives.
 Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber is a man-made rubber which is produced in
manufacturing plants by synthesizing it from petroleum and other
minerals. It is used as a substitute for natural rubber in many cases.
 Types of Rubber
 Acrylic Rubber (ACM)
 Butadiene Rubber (BR)
 Butyl Rubber (IIR)
 Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM)
 Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
 Fluoroelastomers (FKM)/ Viton
 Isoprene Rubber (IR)
 Types of Rubber
 Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
 Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)
 Polychloroprene (CR)
 Polysulfide Rubber (PSR)
 Silicone Rubber (SiR)
 Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
 Acrylic Rubber (ACM)
Acrylic rubber, known by the chemical name alkyl acrylate
copolymer (ACM), is a type of rubber that has outstanding resistance
to hot oil and oxidation. It is used in automotive applications, but
also find usage in industrial seals, hoses, and adhesive application
 Butadiene Rubber (BR)
Butadiene rubber is a synthetic rubber widely employed in tire
treads for trucks and automobiles.
 Butyl Rubber (IIR)
Butyl rubber is an elastomeric polymer used widely in adhesives and
sealants, both as primary binders and as tackifiers and modifiers.
 Chlorosulfonated
Polyethylene (CSM)
It is widely used for jacketing and insulation for wire and cable. For
manufacturing of such industrial products as hose, rolls, seals,
gaskets, diaphragms and lining for chemical processing equipment
also, chlorosulfonated polyethylene is a preferred choice.
 Ethylene Propylene Diene
Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM is used most commonly used in the automotive and construction
industries for various seals due to its excellent resistance to
environmental factors such as Ozone, UV and general weathering.
 Fluoroelastomers (FKM)
FKM is of high value in use as a class of synthetic rubber which
provides extraordinary levels of resistance to chemicals, oil and
heat. This type of rubber can be fabricated into seals, o-rings, and
hoses for a variety of high performance applications in the
automotive, aerospace, and petrochemical industries.
 Isoprene Rubber (IR)
Due to its outstanding mechanical properties and low cost, isoprene
rubber is the preferred material for many engineering applications.
Typical uses include anti-vibration mounts, drive couplings, tires,
springs, bearings, and adhesives. The largest portion of produced IR
and NR is used for tires.
 Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
The uses of nitrile rubber include disposable non-latex gloves,
automotive transmission belts, hoses, O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, V
belts, static & dynamic hydraulic seals, synthetic leather, printer's
form rollers, and as cable jacketing.
 Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)
FFKM is resistant to more than 1,800 different chemicals, including
hydrocarbons, oils and fuels. Combined with its suitability for
explosive environments, FFKM is a natural choice for oil and gas
applications, such as pump and motor stators, packer elements and a
variety of sealing applications.
 Polychloroprene (CR)
Chloroprene is used primarily for gaskets, cable jackets, tubing,
seals, O-rings, tire-sidewalls, gasoline hoses and weather-resistant
products such as wet suits and orthopedic braces. It is also used as a
base resin in adhesives, electrical insulations and coatings.
 Polysulfide Rubber (PSR)
Polysulfide rubbers are used in rubberizing fuel storage tanks and in
the manufacture of oil- and gasoline-resistant tubing and of gastight
diaphragms for gas meters. Sealing compounds are prepared from
liquid Thiokols.
 Silicone Rubber (SiR)
Silicone rubber is used in automotive applications, many cooking,
baking, and food storage products, apparel including
undergarments, sportswear, and footwear, electronics, to home
repair and hardware, and a host of unseen applications.
 Styrene Butadiene
Rubber (SBR)
Styrene-butadiene rubber is the highest volume general-purpose
synthetic rubber in production for a reason. It is used across a broad
range of applications, spanning everything from car tires, shoe soles
and heels, drive couplings, automotive parts and mechanical rubber
goods.
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