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4.1 Introduction To Polymers PDF

Polymer chemistry involves the formation of polymers from monomers. A polymer is a high molecular weight compound formed by combining monomers, which are small molecules with two or more binding sites. Polymerization is the chemical reaction where a monomer is converted to a polymer in the presence of an initiator. Polymers can be classified based on their source, backbone, heat treatment properties, utility, structure, composition, and tacticity. Nomenclature involves distinguishing between homopolymers formed from one monomer and copolymers formed from different monomers.

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781 views

4.1 Introduction To Polymers PDF

Polymer chemistry involves the formation of polymers from monomers. A polymer is a high molecular weight compound formed by combining monomers, which are small molecules with two or more binding sites. Polymerization is the chemical reaction where a monomer is converted to a polymer in the presence of an initiator. Polymers can be classified based on their source, backbone, heat treatment properties, utility, structure, composition, and tacticity. Nomenclature involves distinguishing between homopolymers formed from one monomer and copolymers formed from different monomers.

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4 POLYMER CHEMISTRY

4.1 INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERS


Polymer: A polymer is a high molecular weight compound formed by combining large number of small molecules
called monomers.
E.g. Polyvinyl chloride, Polyethylene, Nylon 6,6, Starch etc.
Monomer: Monomer is defined as a simple molecule with two or more binding sites through which it forms
covalent linkages with other monomer molecules to form the macromolecule (polymer).
All simple molecules cannot behave as monomers but only those with two or more bonding sites can act
as monomers. Alkenes, vinyl chloride, adipic acid, glycol with two bonding sites act as monomers.
Polymerization: Polymerization is defined as the chemical reaction in which a monomer is converted to the
polymer under specific conditions. Monomer alone cannot undergo polymerization, but requires the presence of a
chemical called initiator.
Degree of polymerization (n): The no. of repeating units present in a polymer chain is known as degree of
polymerization DP is represented as ‘n’. DP gives an idea about the size of the polymer
Molecular wt. of the polymer = DP x Molecular wt. of each monomer.
Classification of Polymers

S.No. Basis of classification Types of polymers Examples

1 Source 1. Natural polymers Cotton, silk, wool, starch


2. Synthetic polymers PVC, polythene, plastics
2 Backbone 1. Organic polymers PVC, polythene, polystyrene
2. Inorganic polymers Silicones, magnesium oxides
3 Heat treatment 1. Thermoplastics PVC, polythene, Teflon
2. Thermosetting plastics Bakelite, polyester
4 Utility 1. Plastics PVC, polystyrene
2. Elastomers Synthetic rubber, silicone rubber
3. Fibers Nylon, Terylene
4. Resins Epoxy adhesives, polysulphide sealants
5 Structure 1. Linear polymers PVC, polystyrene
2. Branched polymers LDPE low density polythene
3. Cross-linked polymers Bakelite
6 Composition 1. homo polymers PVC, polythene
2. hetero polymers Buna-S, Nylon-6,6
(copolymers)
7 Tacticity (configuration) 1. Isotactic polymers Polyvinyl alcohols, natural rubber
2. Syndiotactic polymers PVC, Gutta percha
3. Atactic polymers polypropylene
Nomenclature of Polymers
a) Homopolymers: Polymers obtained from same type of monomers are called homopolymers. They may be
linear branched or cross linked E.g. PVC. Polythene and Teflon.
b) Heteropolymers or Copolymers: Polymers obtained from different type of monomers are called copolymers.
They may be generally linear or branched.
c) Homo Chain Polymers: If the main chain is formed with same atoms, the polymer is called homo chain
polymer. E.g. PVC, Polythene, etc.
d) Hetero Chain Polymers: If the main chain is formed with different atoms, the polymer is called hetero chain
polymer. E.g. Nylon 6, 6.

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