Questions on the Video Course: Science & Technology of Polymers

I.
1.

Objective Type Questions

In the following questions one or more answers are correct. Indicate the correct answer(s) by writing
the corresponding alphabet(s).
1x12
a) Which of the following materials can be softened by heat?
A) Bakelite
B) Cellulose
C) Cellulose acetate
D) PET
b) Which of the following polymer(s) is (are) elastomeric?
A) [CH2-CH (CH3)]nB) [CH2-CH(CH=CH2)]nC) [CH2-CH(CN)]nD) [CH2-C(CH3)2]nc) Which of the following monomer(s) can be polymerized by ionic mechanism?
A) Ethylene
B) Acrylonitrile
C) -Caprolactam
D) Vinyl acetate
d) In a catalyzed polyesterification, the initial concentration of the diacid is 2 mole/litre and the
rate constant is 10-2 litre/mol.sec. The time taken to obtain a DP of 73 is
A) 1800 s
B) 3600 s
C) 4800 s
D) 900 s
e) Which of the following would be a stronger fiber made from
A) an ester of terephthalic acid
B) an ester of phthalic acid
C) phthalic acid and 1,4 butane diol
D) phthalic acid and 2-hydroxybutanol
f) Which of the following polymers will have higher specific gravity?
A) LDPE
B) PP
C) PVC
D) PTFE
g) In which of the following polymerization techniques highest polymerization rate, highest
molecular weight but comparatively impure polymer is obtained?
A) Bulk polymerization
B) Suspension polymerization
C) Solution polymerization
D) Emulsion polymerization
h) Which of the following polymers contain trans configuration?
A) Gutta percha
B) Natural rubber
C) Polybutadiene
D) Polyisobutylene
i) Which of the following techniques provides an absolute measure of the molecular weight of
polymers?
A) Viscometry
B) Osmometry
C) Light scattering
D) GPC

j) The values of K and of Mark-Houwink equation are 1x10-2 cm3 g-1 and 0.5 respectively for a
polymer-solvent system at 250C. The intrinsic viscosity of this polymer solution is 150 dl/g. The
average molecular weight of this polymer is
A) 1.00x108
B) 1.25x108
C) 2.25x108
D) 0.25x108
k) Autoacceleration occurs in
A) Bulk polymerization
B) Solution polymerization
C) Suspension polymerization
D) Emulsion polymerization
l) Artificial leather is made from
A) Rigid PVC
B) Plasticized PVC
C) Polybutadiene
D) PVDC
2.

Pick up the correct answer from the following:

5
a) Purest form of polymer can be prepared by:
Suspension polymerization
Bulk polymerization
Solution polymerization
Emulsion polymerization
b) Highest polymerization rate and highest molecular weight of polymers can be obtained from:
Suspension polymerization
Bulk polymerization
Solution polymerization
Emulsion polymerization
c) Suspension polymerization is a miniature version of:
Emulsion polymerization
Bulk polymerization
Combined bulk and solution polymerization
Combined emulsion and solution polymerization
d) Transfer of exothermic heat is very difficult in:
Bulk polymerization
Suspension polymerization
Solution polymerization
Emulsion polymerization
e) Water soluble initiator is used in:
Suspension polymerization
Bulk polymerization
Solution polymerization
Emulsion polymerization

3.

Match the entries in the following two columns.

a) Fringed micelle model
b) Mesogen
c) Tetramethyl thiuram disulfide
d) Poly L-lactic acid
e) Poly hydroxy butyrate
f) Vulcanized rubber
g) Nematic
h) Smectic
i) PNIPAAm
j) Maxwell model

10
1. Bacterial polysaccharide
2. Thermosetting
3. Thermoresponsive polymer
4. Low viscosity
5. Viscoelasticity
6. High viscosity
7. Biodegradable polymer
8. Semicrystalline polymer
9. Liquid crystalline polymer
10. Sulfur donor

4.

5.

Match the entries in the following two columns.

a) Fringed micelle model
b) Mesogens in a chain
c) Phenyl -naphthyl amine
d) Poly (glycolic acid)
e) Endurance to cyclic stress
f) AsF5
g) Nematic
h) Smectic
i) Single crystal
j) Spring and dashpot connected in series
Match the entries in the following two columns.
a) Ebonite
b) Phenol formaldehyde resin
c) Polyacetylene
d) Multichain polymer
e) Artificial leather
f) Kevlar
g) Starch
h) Branched polymer
i) Gel effect
j) Mineral water bottle

10
1. Fatigue
2. Dopant
3. Whisker
4. Low viscosity
5. Viscoelasticity
6. High viscosity
7. Biodegradable
8. Semicrystalline polymer
9. Liquid crystalline polymer
10. Antioxidant
10
1. Plasticized PVC
2. Aromatic nylon
3. Natural polymer
4. Autoacceleration
5. LDPE
6. Conducting polymer
7. Trifunctional monomer
8. PET
9. Vulcanized rubber
10. Thermoset

6.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

a) A thermoresponsive intelligent polymer acts as ______ ______ in a controlled release DDS.
b) In biodegradable drug delivery systems _______ polymer is used.
c) Aliphatic polymers are _______ biodegradable than polymers with aromatic moiety.
d) Biodegradable _______ is found in shells of crabs, lobsters, shrimps and insects.
e) _______________ salt is used as antistatic agent in plastic products.

7.

Judge the following statements whether TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).

10
a) Bulk polymerization is suitable for producing polymer with high purity.
b) Polymers with carbon chain backbone are easily biodegradable.
c) Polyhydroxy alkanoates are a class of polymers obtained from plants.
d) Bioabsorbable sutures are made from polyamides.
e) Phenol derivatives are good antioxidants for polymers.
f) Tetramethyl thiuram disulfide performs as both accelerator and sulphur donor during vulcanization of
rubber.
g) Both orientational and positional symmetry are required for liquid crystalline property.
h) Water soluble initiators are used in suspension polymerization of a vinyl monomer.
i) Saturated rubbers are vulcanized by sulphur.
j) Silica is reinforcing filler for rubber in presence of a coupling agent.
k) Alumina trihydrate acts as a fire retardant additive in rubber product.
l) The mechanical strength of a fiber reinforced composite is independent of its fiber diameter.
m) Creep is a time independent property of a body at constant stress.
n) Thixotropy is a shear-thinning phenomenon.
o) Poly (acrylamide) is a thermoresponsive polymer.
p) Extended -electron conjugation is an essential requirement for a polymer to be electrically
conducting.
q) Enamelled copper wire is not an insulated conductor.
r) Melt viscosity of a thermotropic LCP is lower than that of a thermoplastic polymer.
s) Thermo oxidative degradation of a polymer proceeds by ionic mechanism.
t) Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is based on size exclusion principle.

8.

Write whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE.

5
a) In suspension polymerization a monomer droplet gets converted to a polymer bead.
b) During emulsion polymerization viscosity of the system increases with the progress of
polymerization.
c) Emulsion polymerization is a heterogeneous system.
d) Autoacceleration of polymerization occurs in suspension polymerization.
e) Use of solvent is essential in bulk polymerization.

9.

Write TRUE or FALSE against the following statements.

a) Hindered phenols are good polymer antioxidants.
b) Phenyl salicylate is used as a UV stabilizer in plastic products.
c) Vinyl triethoxy silane is used as a plasticizer in rubber goods.
d) Factice is used as a softener in rubber eraser.
e) High energy gamma radiation is used for cross linking of polymers.
f) Alumina trihydrate (ATH) is a fire retardant additive in plastic goods.
g) In a glass/polyester composite polyester remains as dispersed fibre in glass matrix.
h) Triphenyl phosphate is a very good polymer stabilizer.
i) In general fillers are used to decrease the cost of finished products.
j) Carbon black is used a colouring material to make the automobile tire black.

10

10. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

10
a) In a rubber compound -------- is used as non-sulfur cross linking agent and -------- is used as an
accelerator.
b) Cellulose/cotton is -------- in solvents and -------- although it is a thermoplastic polymer.
c) A polymer having -------- -------- structure is known as conducting polymer.
d) A polymeric fibre is viscoelastic in which -------- region represents viscous component and -------region represents elastic component.
e) A polymer showing liquid crystalline behaviour in molten state is known as -------- and in solution
is known as --------.
f) A stimuli-responsive intelligent polymer becomes -------- when temperature is increased and ------- when temperature is decreased.
g) Polymers with -------- linkages are susceptible to biodegradation by ------.
h) ------- is known as heat resistant polymer and ------- is known as solvent resistant polymer.
i) Polyacetylene is prepared by -------- of PVC and polyvinyl alcohol is made from polyvinyl acetate
by --------.
j) Polymer crystallinity is determined by -------- and polymer molecular weight distribution is
determined by --------.
11. Write TRUE or FALSE against the following statements.
a) Rigid PVC products contain dioctyl phthalate as an additive.
b) Phenyl salicylate is used as a UV stabilizer for polymer to function as an energy transfer agent.
c) Dicumyl peroxide is used for making XLPE.
d) Hexa is used as a crosslinking agent for Novolac.
e) EPDM is an unsaturated rubber.
f) Glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite is a thermoplastic product.
g) Inclusion of a flexible spacer in a liquid crystalline polymer decreases its melting point.
h) Pseudoplastic polymers are thixotropic in nature.
i) Creep is a time dependent phenomenon at constant strain.
j) Crystalline polymers degrade faster than amorphous polymers.

10

II.

Brief answer type questions

1.

Give a brief answer to each of the following questions

1x12
a) Name the class of polymers having the linkage CONH- and write down the repeat unit
structure of one polymer having this linkage in its repeat unit.
b) What is the principal difference between viscose rayon and cellophane?
c) Which of the two polymers HDPE and LDPE has greater volume and lower softening point?
d) Out of isotactic PP and atactic PP which has higher Tg and why?
e) Show head to head and head to tail configurations of poly(methylmethacrylate).
f) Which of the two polymers nylon 66 and Aramid would have higher melting point and why?
g) What is the average functionality of a mixture consisting of 0.7 mol ethylene glycol, 0.05 mol ethanol,
and 0.25 mol of glycerol?
h) Why initiation does not occur in the micelles in emulsion polymerization?
i) What should be your choice of MFI values of a film grade polymer: high MFI or low MFI?
Give short reason for your answer.
j) Compare the bonding forces in nylon and polyethylene.
k) Compare the initiator systems used in suspension polymerization and emulsion polymerization.
l) What do you mean by hydrodynamic volume of polymer molecules in solution?

2.

Give brief answers to the following questions.

a) Name important characteristic features by which polymers differ from metals and ceramics.
b) Name polymeric articles used as fire proof, oil (petroleum) proof and electric insulator.
c) Give examples of composite materials produced by nature and mankind.
d) What happens if a rubber ball is kept immersed in liquid nitrogen?
e) Out of cellulose and celluloid which one is suitable for melt processing?

2x5

3.

Give brief answers to the following questions.

a) Name the following polymers and suggest appropriate solvents for them:

2x5

CH3

n
COOCH3

CN

b) Out of the following polymers which one is rubber and why?

CH2

CH2
C

H3C

CH2

H
C

H3C

C
H2C

c)

What would be the compositions of a of condensation polymerization system and a free radical chain
polymerization system after say 30 min of polymerization?
d) Out of condensation and addition chain polymerizations which one is slower and why?
e) What is the main difference in backbone chain structure of a condensation polymer and an addition
chain polymer?
4.

Give brief answers to the following questions.

a) Suggest the name of one cross linking agent for PE.
b) How a flame retardant additive stops or resists burning of a polymer product? Give example of such
an additive.
c) Suppose a polymer on heating exhibits transition from A to B to C stage resin? Comment on the
solubility and fusibility of the polymer at each stage.
d) Give example of an additive which prevents oxidative degradation of a plastic product.
e) Identify the general purpose and special purpose rubbers from the following list:
Synthetic natural rubber
Polyurethane rubbers
Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber
Poly(butadiene) rubber
Styrene butadiene rubber
Ethylene-vinyl acetate
Silicone rubbers
Natural rubber

1
2
2
1
2

f)
5.

Write thhe names of inngredients useed in the curinng system of a natural rubbeer compound with
w
approprriate exampless.

Give brief an
nswers to the following qu
uestions.
10
a) Which of the following compoounds will yielld a polymer when
w
condenssed with adipic acid?
Ethanol
Glycerol
Aniline
Ethylenee diamine
ou should takee to prepare am
mine terminateed nylon 66?
b) What measure yo
c) Idenntify the polarr polymers froom the followiing list?
Nitrile rubberr, Butyl rubbeer, Styrene buttadiene copolyymer,
Kevvlar, PVC, AB
BS,
Poly(vinyl alccohol)
dex of 10
d) Which sample off LDPE has thhe higher mollecular weightt: one with a melt flow ind
o with a mellt flow index of
o 8?
or one
e) Arraange in decreaasing order: Mn, Mw, Mv.
f) Which of the tw
wo samples off a polymer of
o same moleccular weight shows higherr solution
visccosity one havving a brancheed structure annd the other haaving a linear structure?
g) What is the namee of the polym
mer in wood?
h) Wriite the name and
a repeat unitt structure of an
a important polymer
p
used in electronic industry.
i
i) Wriite the repeat unit
u structure of natural rubbber with propper configuratiion.
j) What is Perspex?? Is it a condennsation or adddition polymerr?

Answer all qu
uestions.
6. A
a) Outt of bulk, sollution, suspennsion and em
mulsion techniiques of polyymerization which
w
one
provvides the highhest polymerizzation rate annd highest moolecular weighht? Which onee of these
techhniques can prroduce polymer of highest purity?
p
Give reasons.
r
2
b) Sugggest the namees of initiatorss used in suspeension and em
mulsion polym
merizations.
1
c) Draaw the sketch of a batch po
olymerization reactor. Nam
me the polymeerization techn
niques for
whiich this reactor will be suitaable. Give exaample of one polymer
p
whicch can be mannufactured
3
usinng this reactorr with your staated techniquee.
d) A pplasticizer incrreases the mellt viscosity off a polymer byy increasing itts Tg". Is this statement
corrrect? If not, what
w
would be
b the correct statement? Give
G
one exam
mple of plastticizer for
PVC
C.
2
e) Thee following reaction shows the function of
o an additivee in plastic prooducts. Write the name
of thhe additive annd its functionn.
2

7. Give brief an
nswers to the following qu
uestions.
a) For what purposee the compounnds like aminoo phenol, diphhenyl amine, nnaphthyl amin
ne (PBN),
phennylene diaminne (IPPD) are used in rubbeer products?
1
b) Shoow the functionn of an acceleerator in the vuulcanization of
o a diene rubbber by sulfur.
2
c) Wriite the names of the followiing polymers and
a their geneeral uses.
3

o reactions (ooxidation/reduuction on the arrow)

a
in the ffollowing equuations. 2
d) Wriite the nature of
Polymerr + Dopantt
(Dooped polymerr)+ + (Dopaant)Polymerr + Dopantt
(Dooped polymerr)- + (Dopaant)+
e) Desscribe how pollyaniline is syynthesized by chemical polyymerization.
2

8.

Give brief answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) What are the major roles of plasticizers in a plastic product? Explain with examples.
b) What are the chemically reactive ingredients used in a rubber product? Give examples and
state their roles.
c) What reinforcing agents are used in a FRP and particle filled composite?
d) How would you make a polymer product fire retardant? Give examples.
e) Suggest examples of at least two polymers for making (i) automobile tire and (ii) electric
cables.

9.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a. Explain positional, orientational and conformational disordering with suitable examples.
b) What are thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers?
c) What architectural units are used for making liquid crystalline copolyesters? Give suitable
examples.
d) Describe the strategies employed in liquid crystalline copolyesters to reduce their melt
temperatures.
e) Compare the properties of thermoplastic polymers and thermotropic liquid crystalline
polymers.

10. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) Write down the expressions for degree of polymerization in condensation polymerization of
bifunctional monomers with stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric amounts.
b) In an externally catalyzed polyesterification calculate the time required to achieve a degree of
polymerization of 100 having the initial concentration of the monomer 10 mol L-1 and
polymerization rate constant 10-3 L mol-1 s-1. What would be the value of the extent of
reaction in this case?
c) Calculate the critical extent of reaction in the polymerization of 2 moles of glycerol with 3
moles of phthalic anhydride.
d) Write down the relationship between intrinsic viscosity and viscosity average molecular
weight.
e) Write down the relations of two different colligative properties with number average
molecular weights.
11. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.
2x5
a) Show the expressions for weight average and viscosity average molecular weights. On what
condition the two averages become equal?
b) Draw a molecular weight distribution curve and explain the polydispersity.
c) Show the different molecular weight averages in decreasing order.
d) How do you relate MFI and molecular weight of a polymer?
e) Write the repeat unit formulas of nylon 6 and PET.
12. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.
a) Write the names of three most important commodity polymers.
b) Polymers of ethylene and propylene are plastics but why their copolymer is a rubber?
c) How LDPE differs from HDPE and isotactic PP differs from syndiotactic PP?
d) Out of two ropes made of PE and nylon 6 which one will be stronger and why?
e) What is the basic difference between a PVC pipe and PVC footwear?

2x5

13. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) Define thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers with at least two examples in each case.
b) What polymers are used for making fuel hose and LPG tube?
c) What are the names of polymers present in the following items?
Wood, synthetic wool, artificial leather and fishing net.
d) What chemical compounds are required to prepare PET and butyl rubber?
e) What chemical linkage is present in protein molecule? Write the name of a synthetic polymer
having the same chemical linkage.

14. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) What will happen to a natural rubber ball if immersed in liquid nitrogen? Give reasons.
b) What will happen to a polyethylene strip and a PVC strip if hold on a flame? Give reasons.
c) Out of poly (vinyl alcohol) and poly (ethylene) which one is hydrophilic and why?
d) Write the repeat unit formulas for the polymers: PS, PMMA, PET and nylon 66.
e) Compare condensation and addition polymerizations.
15.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) With the help of line diagrams show the configurations of linear, branched and cross linked
polymers.
b) Write the order of density values in the following polymers: LDPE, PVC, PS, PTFE and PP.
c) What polymerization principles are followed for preparation of the following polymers: P-F
resin, butyl rubber, PVC and PMMA.
d) Write the Carother's equations for the following cases: bifunctional reactants in
stoichiometric amounts, bifunctional reactants in non-stoichiometric amounts,
multifunctional reactants in non-stoichiometric amounts. Show the degree of polymerization
at 100% polymerization in each case.
e) Describe two primary techniques for the determination of absolute molecular weight of
polymers.

16. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) Calculate the degree of polymerization of PET having an average molecular weight of
1,25,000.
b) Show in the order of increasing values: M z ,
c)

M n , M w and M v and schematically show

in a distribution diagram.
Which sample of LDPE has the higher average molecular weight: (a) one with a melt flow
index of 10 or (b) one with a melt flow index of 8?

d) What are the

M w or M n values for a mixture of five molecules each having the following

molecular weights: 1.25 x 106, 1.35 x 106, 1.50 x 106, 1.75 x 106, 2.0 x 106?
e) Which of the following will yield a polymer when condensed with adipic acid: (a) ethanol,
(b) ethylene glycol, (c) glycerol, (d) aniline, or (e) ethylenediamine? Give reasons in favor of
your answer.
17. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.
2x5
a) What is the functionality of a mixture consisting of 2.5 moles of glycerol and 3.5 moles of
terephthalic acid? Calculate their critical extent of reaction prior to gelation.
b) If one obtains a yield of 10% polymer (PMMA) after 10 min of polymerizing MMA by a free
radical mechanism, what would be the composition of the other 90%? Compare the situation
in condensation polymerization of suitable reactants.
c) Name three widely used thermoplastics produced by free radical chain polymerization. Give
examples of three free radical initiators.
d) If [M] is equal to 1 x 10-11 mol/L under steady-state conditions what will [M] equal after (a)
30, (b) 60 and (c) 90 min?
e)

What is the termination mechanism in free radical chain DP polymerization if DP = ?

Define chain transfer.

18. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) What initiator is used in the polymerization of isobutylene? What is the suitable solvent for
this polymerization?
b) What technique would you choose for producing a polymer of acrylonitrile: (a) cationic or
(b) anionic? Give appropriate reasons in favor of your answer.
c) Write the expression for the rate of polymerization in free radical chain polymerization. What
is the relationship of DP to Rp and Rt?
d) Show the skeletal structures of cis- and trans-poly(isoprene).
e) How would you prepare SBS type block copolymer?

19. Give brief answers to the following questions.

1x10
a) Define thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers with at least two examples in each case.
b) What polymers are used for making fuel hose and LPG tube?
c) What are the names of polymers present in the following items?
a. Wood, synthetic wool, artificial leather and fishing net.
d) What chemical compounds are required to prepare PET and butyl rubber?
e) What chemical linkage is present in protein molecule? Write the name of a synthetic polymer
having the same chemical linkage.
f) What will happen to a natural rubber ball if immersed in liquid nitrogen? Give reasons.
g) What will happen to a poly (ethylene) strip and a PVC strip if hold on a flame? Give reasons.
h) Out of poly (vinyl alcohol) and polyethylene which one is hydrophilic and why?
i) Write the repeat unit formulas for the polymers: PS, PMMA, PET and nylon 66.
j) Compare condensation and addition polymerizations.
20. Give brief answers to the following questions.
1x10
a) Write the order of density values in the following polymers: LDPE, PVC, PS, PTFE and PP.
b) What polymerization principles are followed for preparation of the following polymers: P-F
resin, butyl rubber, PVC and PMMA.
c) Write the Carother's equations for the following cases: bifunctional reactants in
stoichiometric amounts, bifunctional reactants in non-stoichiometric amounts,
multifunctional reactants in non-stoichiometric amounts. Show the degree of polymerization
at 100% polymerization in each case.
d) Name two primary techniques for the determination of absolute molecular weight of
polymers.
e) Calculate the molecular weight of PS using Mark-Houwink parameters, a = 0.725 and K =
1.1 x 10-4 dL/g, if the intrinsic viscosity is 1.62 dL/g.
f) Calculate the degree of polymerization of PET having an average molecular weight of
1,25,000.
g) Which sample of LDPE has the higher average molecular weight: (a) one with a melt flow
index of 10 or (b) one with a melt flow index of 8?
h) What is the functionality of a mixture consisting of 2.5 moles of glycerol and 3.5 moles of
terephthalic acid? Calculate their critical extent of reaction prior to gelation.
i) If one obtains a yield of 10% polymer (PMMA) after 10 min of polymerizing MMA by a free
radical mechanism, what would be the composition of the other 90%? Compare the situation
in condensation polymerization of suitable reactants.
j) Name three widely used thermoplastics produced by free radical chain polymerization. Give
examples of three free radical initiators.
21. Give brief answers to the following questions.

1x6

What is the termination mechanism in free radical chain DP polymerization if DP = ?

Define chain transfer.
b) What initiator is used in the polymerization of isobutylene? What is the suitable solvent for
this polymerization?
c) What technique would you choose for producing a polymer of acrylonitrile: (a) cationic or
(b) anionic? Give appropriate reasons in favour of your answer.
d) Write the expression for the rate of polymerization in free radical chain polymerization. What
a)

e)
f)

is the relationship of DP to Rp and Rt?

Show the skeletal structures of cis- and trans-po(lyisoprene).
How would you prepare SBS type block copolymer?

22.

Give brief answers to the following questions.

1x10
a) What is the difference between the general purpose and special purpose polymers?
b) What is the basic difference among rubbers, plastics and fibers?
c) Why, in general, a polymer does not show a sharp melting transition?
d) Out of poly (butylene terephthalate) and poly (hexylene terephthalate) which one would be
more flexible and why?
e) Out of a branched polymer and linear polymer of same molecular weight which one will
show higher solution viscosity and why?
f) Show the different molecular weight averages in decreasing order.
g) How do you relate MFI and molecular weight of a polymer?
h) Write the repeat unit formulas of nylon 6 and PET.
i) Write the names of three most important commodity polymers.
j) Polymers of ethylene and propylene are plastics but why their copolymer is a rubber?

23.

Give brief answers to the following questions.

a) Write different possible configurational microstructures of butadiene units in SBR.
b) What is living polymerization? Give one example of such polymer.
c)

Write down the relationship between intrinsic viscosity and

d)
e)
f)
g)
h)

What happens when chain transfer occurs to a dead polymer?

In what situation autoacceleration occurs in addition chain polymerization?
Out of two ropes made of PE and nylon 6 which one will be stronger and why?
What is the basic difference between a PVC pipe and PVC footwear?
Why LDPE is insoluble in toluene below its boiling temperature?

III.

Mv .

2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1

Broad answer type questions

1.

Answer the following questions

a) Name some unique characteristics of polymer materials due to which polymers have been
included as an important member in the materials family.
2
b) How the properties of polymers change with increase in their molecular weights? Write
down the threshold values of molecular weights of condensation and addition chain polymers
so that these can be useful for making some products.
2
c) Locate the different regions: Mobile liquid, Viscous liquid, Crystalline solid, Amorphous,
semicrystalline, (brittle) plastic, Tough plastic and Rubber in a schematic plot of temperature
versus molecular weight.
6

2.

The following data were obtained in the thermal initiated bulk polymerization of a monomer Z ([M] =
8.3 mole/litre) using a radical initiator W at 600C. :
Rp
Xn
(moles/litre-sec)
-3
0.0050 x 10
8350
0.010 x 10-3
5550
0.020 x 10-3
3330
0.050 x10-3
1317
0.10 x 10-3
592
0.15 x 10-3
358
Calculate chain transfer constant to monomer (CM), values of kp2/kt and fkd in this polymerization
if it is experimentally observed that Rp = 4.0 x 10-4 [I]1/2. Assume that there is no chain transfer to
initiator.
10

3.

Answer the following questions

a) Write down the different expressions for molecular weight averages. Draw a molecular
weight distribution curve and locate the positions of different average molecular weights on
the curve.
5
b) Describe the calculation of molecular weight of a polymer from its solution viscosity data. 5

10

4.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

2x5
a) What are the essential structural characteristics needed for a polymer to be electrically
conducting in nature?
b) Describe one method of synthesis of a suitable conducting polymer.
c) Describe the doping of conducting polymer using suitable dopants and the mechanism of
doping in polymers.
d) Describe the sequences of electronic events that occur in a conducting polymer in presence of
a dopant.
e) Write the technological applications of conducting polymers.

5.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

a) What are the structural requirements for making a polymer electrically conducting? Give two
examples of widely used conducting polymers.
2
b) What is the purpose of doping? Give two examples of common dopants for conducting
polymers and state the techniques of doping.
2
c) Describe the mechanisms of doping and conduction in conducting polymers.
4
d) Write some important applications of conducting polymers.
2

6.

Answer as directed.
a) Derive the Carothers equations for (i) equimolar amounts of reactants and (ii) when one of
the reactants is used in excess. At the gel point prove that

Pc

2
f av

b) In a condensation polymerization two different stoichiometric imbalances of 0.1 and 1.0

mole percent were selected. Calculate the X n values in both the cases obtainable at 100%,
99% and 98% reactions. From this calculation suggest the minimum extent of reaction to
obtain a useful polymer.
4
7.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

a) Write down the special characteristics of polymers as a class of materials.
2
b) Classify polymers on the basis of their origin.
2
c) Compare addition chain polymers and step reaction polymers.
2
d) Derive the Carothers equations involving
i.
bifunctional monomers considering stoichiometric imbalance and
ii.
multifunctional monomers.
Explain the effects of extent of reaction and stoichiometric imbalance on the degree of
polymerization.
6

8.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions

a) Compare self catalyzed and externally catalyzed polyesterifications with the help of kinetic
equations.
4
b) Describe the mechanism of emulsion polymerization.
4
c) Describe the different initiator systems used for addition chain polymerizations.
4

9.

Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

a) a) Define inherent viscosity and intrinsic viscosity of polymer solution. Show how the
intrinsic viscosity of a polymer solution is obtained.
4
b) b) Write down the expressions for different molecular weight averages.
3
c) A polymer with M = 100,000 obeys the Mark-Houwink equation with K = 1x10-4 and =
0.80. Huggins constant is 0.33. Calculate the relative viscosity at c = 0.30 g/dl.
5

10. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

a) Write down the polymerization rate equations for free radical, cationic and anionic
polymerizations.Compare the dependences of various parameters on RP and DP in those
polymerizations.
6
b) What is chain transfer? Explain its effects in free radical chain polymerization.
6

11

11. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.

a) What do you mean by polymer morphology? Distinguish between the morphology of
amorphous polymers and crystalline polymers. With the help of a suitable model describe the
morphology of a crystalline polymer.
4
b) Schematically describe the various possible temperature-responsive molecular switches using
a stimuli responsive polymer.
3
c) Describe the variation of shear stress with shear (strain) rate for different non-Newtonian
fluids with the help of a schematic diagram.
3
12. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.
2x5
a) Write the structure of a polymer used as temperature responsive molecular switch and
schematically show some modulation systems which undergo hydrophilic/hydrophobic
reversible transition on change of temperature.
b) What is a controlled drug delivery system (DDS)? Describe with the help of a schematic
diagram an intelligent DDS comprising feedback system to monitor and control drug
delivery.
c) Show the application of such thermoresponsive polymer for cell culture and its recovery.
d) What is hydrogel? How it can be made thermoresponsive?
e) Describe a temperature responsive chromatographic separation system.
13. Give appropriate answers to the following questions.
a) Give at least five examples for each of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers. 2
b) What structural features are required for making a polymer biodegradable? Explain with
examples.
3
c) Make separate lists of physical and chemical mechanisms leading to degradation of polymer
properties.
2
d) Describe the homolytic and heterolytic oxidative degradation mechanisms of polymers. 3
14. Answer all questions.
a) Write down the general composition of a rubber product of your choice.
2
b) Write the names of additives used to make a plastic product.
2
c) What are polymer stabilizers and why they are needed for polymer products?
2
d) What are the components of curing system of a rubber formulation and their functions? 2
15. Answer all questions.
1
a) Define and classify liquid crystalline polymers.
b) What architectural units are used for designing liquid crystalline polymers? What strategies
are followed to decrease the melting temperature of a liquid crystalline polymer?
4
c) What do you mean by mesogen and mesophase? Describe with schematic diagrams different
mesophases of liquid crystalline polymers. Which of these mesophases resemble to
molecular composite/laminate?
4
d) Compare the properties of thermotropic LCP and thermoplastic polymers.
1
16. Give brief answers to the following questions.
2x5
a) Raw polymers are of high molecular weight particulate or granular solid materials. How
different low molecular weight particulate or liquid additives are incorporated in raw
polymers before making any formed product?
b) Write down the different categories of additives that are compounded with a base polymer to
make a plastic product.
c) Write a brief mechanism of degradation and stabilization of polymers.
d) Write the names of the ingredients used in the curing system for vulcanization of unsaturated
rubbers. Draw a rheometer trace and show different curing parameters obtained from the
curve for rubber vulcanization.
e) Write down the formulation of a tire tread compound and indicate the function of each
ingredient used in the formulation.

12

17. Answer all questions.

a) What do you mean by polymer blends and alloys? What are the differences between polymer
blends and copolymers? Discuss with suitable examples.
3
b) The following diagrams show the configurations of two different polymer systems. What are
the names of these two polymer systems and how they are prepared?
3

(i)

(ii)

c)
18. Answer the following questions.
a) What is kinetic chain length? How it is related to degree of polymerization?
2
b) Show the effects of variation of initiator concentration on the molecular weight of polymer. 2
c) Write the expressions for rates of polymerization of free radical, cationic and anionic
polymerizations and compare the dependences of rates on their respective parameters.
4
d) What is butyl rubber? Write two special properties of this polymer.
2
19. Answer any two from the following questions
a) Compare condensation and addition chain polymerizations
b) Compare bulk polymerization and suspension polymerization
c) Inhibition and retardation in addition chain polymerization
d) Polymer classification

2x5

20. Write the comparative features for the following pairs of phrases.
a) Virgin polymers vs. polymer products.
b) Plastics vs. plasticizers.
c) Inert fillers vs. reinforcing fillers.
d) Rubbers vs. plastics.
e) General purpose rubbers vs. special purpose rubbers.

10

21. Write notes on any two of the following

a) Viscoelasticity.
b) Emulsion polymerization.
c) Stimuli responsive intelligent polymer
d) Rubber accelerators and their functions

2x5

22. Answer any two from the following questions

a) Biodegradable polymers and their biodegradation.
b) Viscoelasticity in polymers.
c) Mechanism of degradation of polymers containing hydrolysable groups.
d) Compounding of a rubber product.

2x5

13