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Harminder Singh
A polymer is a high molar mass molecular compound made up of
many repeating chemical units.
Naturally occurring polymers
Proteins
Nucleic acids
Cellulose
Rubber
Synthetic polymers
Nylon
Dacron
Lucite
A polymer is a large molecule made by linking together
repeating units of small molecules called monomers
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Characterizing a Polymer
Structure
Classification
Synthesis
Structure of a Polymer
Skeletal Structure
Chemical Structure
Skeletal Structure
Linear a chain with two ends

Skeletal Structure
Branched have side chains
Skeletal Structure
Crosslinked (Networked) chains are
connected to other chains
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The simple repeating unit of a polymer is the monomer.
Homopolymer is a polymer made up of only one type of
monomer
( CF
2
CF
2
)
n

Teflon
( CH
2
CH
2
)
n

Polyethylene
( CH
2
CH )
n

Cl
PVC
25.2
Copolymer is a polymer made up of two or more monomers
Styrene-butadiene rubber
( CH CH
2
CH
2
CH CH CH
2
)
n

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Classifications
Thermoplastic
Elastomer
Thermoset
Thermoplastics
Linear or branched polymers which
can be melted when heat is applied.
Can be molded into any shape with
processing techniques such as
injection molding or extrusion.
Most common plastics
Thermoplastics
Plastics bottles, grocery bags, water
piping, rope, fishing line, car parts
Most are recyclable
Natural thermoplastics silk,
cellulose (proteins), polylactic acid
Codes for Plastics
1 PETE soft drink bottles
2 LDPE plastic bags, toys
3 PVC water pipes
4 HDPE milk jugs
5 PP bottle caps
6 PS styrofoam
1
Elastomers
Crosslinked (networked) rubbery
polymers that can be stretched easily
(3-10x original size)
Rapidly recover original dimensions
when applied stress is released.
Low degree of
crosslinking
Elastomers
Uses examination gloves, rubber
bands, bouncing balls
Not recyclable
Degrades (burns/scorches) when
heat is added
Natural elastomers natural rubber,
latex
Thermosets
Normally are rigid materials.
Network polymers in which chain
motion is greatly restricted by a high
degree of crosslinking.
Cannot be reshaped
once formed.
epoxy
Thermosets
Uses high temperature electrical
applications, super glue, counter top
laminates, epoxy resins, tires
(vulcanized rubber)
Cannot be recycled (burn/scorch with
heat)
Natural* thermosets vulcanized
rubber
Polymerization
Addition Polymerization
Condensation Polymerization
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Polyaddition
Reactions in which monomers combine
without the elimination of a small
molecule.
Usually involves the breaking of a double
bond.
Polyaddition with Radicals
Initiation Creation of an active site (free
radical).
Propagation Growth of polymer chain by
addition of a monomer to an active site
and the creation of a new active site.
Polyaddition with Radicals
Termination Growth of chain stops.
Combination Two growing chains collide.
Disproportionation A hydrogen atom is
added to the end of a growing chain.
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Occurs in the presence of a Lewis acid
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Polycondensation
Reactions in which small molecules (H
2
O, HCl) are
eliminated when the monomers combine. e.g.
Nylon66

CH
2
C C
O
O H
O
OH
4
+
N H
2
NH
2
NH
NH
2
CH
2
C
C
O
O H
O
4
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Properties and uses
Good fibre-forming material and is converted into
commercial fibres.
Such fibres have high stretch resistance, high crease
and wrinkle resistance.
Highly resistant to mineral and organic acid, but is less
resistant to alkalies.
Used for making synthetic fibres like terylene, dacron
etc.
For blending with wool to provise better crease and
wrinkle resistance.
A glass reinforcing material in safety helmets, aircraft
battery boxes, etc.

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