PLASTIC

AND
POLYMERS
 POLYMERS
Polymers are macromolecules containing a large number of repeating units linked to each other via covalent
chemical bonds. There are mainly two type of polymers

1- Natural Polymers

2-Synthetic Polymers

created when small molecules, also known as monomers, combine chemically to form a larger network of
connected molecules. The term is derived from the Greek prefix “poly-,” which means “many,” and the suffix “-
mer,” which means “parts.”What makes these networks unique is the fact each polymer creates a network of
repeating units. For example, a repeating unit in the chemical structure of natural rubber is isoprene. In the image
below, you can see repeating units of isoprene after isoprene is turned into a natural rubber.The chemical
structure of natural rubber. Notice repeating units of isoprene.The repeating units in polymers are often carbon
and hydrogen and sometimes oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, fluorine, phosphorus and silicon.
PROPERTIES
Density

Thermal properties

Crystalline structure

Hardness

Tensile strength

Machinability

Formability

Solubility
 THERMAL PROPERTIES OF
POLYMERS
There are three types of polymers: amorphous, crystalline, and semicrystalline. Amorphous polymers
contain chains that are not ordered in crystalline structures. The thermal properties of an amorphous
structure are referred to as the glass transition temperature, denoted as Tg.

Glass transition is exhibited by amorphous polymers and amorphous areas of a semicrystalline

structure. Crystalline structures do not have a Tg. Crystalline structures have a melting point where the
polymer chains lose their crystal structure and become a disordered liquid. This phenomenon is
denoted as Tm. Melting is only seen in crystalline structures and not in amorphous polymers or
amorphous regions. Almost all crystalline polymers have an amorphous region, making them semi-
crystalline.
CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF
POLYMERS
Crystalline polymer structure is described by a three-phase model, that is, a crystalline
phase, an amorphous phase, and mesosphere (crystalline and amorphous interface). The
fact is that radiation cross-linking of the crystalline polymer mainly occurs in the amorphous
region.
HARDNESS OF POLYMERS
The hardness of a polymer sample is determined by the penetration of the Durometer
indenter foot into the sample. The result is sometimes shown as a hardness number with an
indentation time, because the depth of indentations often changes over time due to the
rubbery nature of the material.
FORMABILITY OF POLYMERS
Formability is defined as the degree of deformation that can be achieved in a metal forming process
without creating an undesirable condition, such as cracking, necking, buckling or the formation of
folds and flaws.
SOLUBILITY OF POLYMERS
solubility is the ability of a substance, the solute, to form a solution with another substance,
the solvent. Insolubility is the opposite property, the inability of the solute to form such a
solution

Water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamides, polyacrylic acid

copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol are organic polymers that dissolve, disperse, or swell in
water and consequently change the physical properties of aqueous systems undergoing
gelation or thickening.
 PLASTIC
Plastic is also polymer that has a large molecular mass. The monomers of plastic can be either natural
or synthetic. We produce plastic from petrochemicals. Hence, plastic is a synthetic polymer.
Thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers are two types of plastics.
Plastic is also polymer that has a large molecular mass. The
monomers of plastic can be either natural or synthetic. We
produce plastic from petrochemicals. Hence, plastic is a
synthetic polymer. Thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers
are two types of plastics. Thermoplastics becomes soft when we
heat it and if we cool it, solidifies again. Therefore, with
continuous heating and cooling, we can change the shape
without a problem (e.g. Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC,
polystyrene).However, if we heat and cool thermosetting
polymers, it becomes hardened permanently. When heated, it
can be moulded, but if heated again, it will decompose (E.g.,
Bakelite, which we use to make handles of pots and pans).
 DIFFERNCE BETWEEN PLASTIC
AND POLYMERS
POLYMERS PLASTICS
- Polymers are large molecules that -Plastic is a polymer that has large

Have the same structural unit repeating over molecular mass

And over

-polymers can be either natural or synthetic -Plastic is a synthetic polymer.

-polymers have long polymer chains, but -Plastics have long polymer chains

There can be short chains as well

-Most of the poymers are versatile -Plastics are extremely versatile