POLYMERS

Introduction: -The macromolecules are divided between biological and non-biological materials.

The biological polymers form the very foundation of life and intelligence, and provide much of

the food on which man exists. The non-biological polymers are primarily the synthetic materials

used for plastics, fibers and elastomers but a few naturally occurring polymers such as rubber

wool and cellulose are included in this class. Today these substances are truly indispensable to

mankind because these are essential to his clothing, shelter, transportation, communication as

well as the conveniences of modern living.

Note: Polymer is not said to be as macromolecule, because polymer is composed of repeating

units whereas the macromolecules may not be composed of repeating units.

INTRODUCTION: The word ‘polymer’ is derived from the Greek word, poly-many and meros-

parts or units. Thus polymer is a larger molecule, formed by repeated linking of small molecules

called ‘monomers’. Therefore, a substance made up of long, molecules which are characterized

by many repeating unit in linear sequence is called a polymer. Polymers are made by sequential

addition of many monomer molecules to each other.

For example, polyethylene; a polymer is formed by repeated leakage of simple ethylene

molecules.

n CH₂- CH₂ → (-CH₂ - CH₂-)n

Ethylene
In many polymers, the fundamental units are all not the same but are two or more similar

molecules, such substance are called ‘copolymers’ to distinguish them from homopolymers,

which contain only one kind of fundamental unit.

nA+mB → - (A-B-A-B-A-B)⁻n + m

(Comonomers) (Copolymer)

nA- → A-A-A-A-…… =A-(A) n-2 ⁻A.

(Monomers) (Homopolymers)

Linear polymers: Polymers which possess only long sequential

A-A-A-A (homopolymers)

A-B-A-B (copolymers)

Linear polymers are commonly relatively soft, often rubbery substance, and often likely to soften

(or melt) on heating and to dissolve in certain solvent, whereas cross linked polymers are hard

and do not melt, soften or dissolve in most cases.

Type of polymers

There are two types of polymers

i. Addition polymer

Addition polymer: These are polymers in which the monomers are molecule with multiple bonds

which undergo true addition reaction with each other. E.g: PVC, Polystyrene, Polyethylene etc.
ii. Condensation polymer b) Condensation polymer: These are polymers in which a small

molecule (usually water) is eliminated in the condensation of any two monomers units. The

monomer for condensation polymers must be at least bifunctional molecules in which one

function on one monomer molecules reacts with the other function on another molecule.

Characteristics of polymeric structure and properties of polymers

i. The major structural features of polymeric compounds are the presence of chain

molecule in which a large number of atoms are combined successively.

ii. The presence of large molecules and two types of bonds predetermines all properties

which are typical of polymers.

iii. Polymeric substances exhibit wide varieties of physical and chemical properties

iv. The properties of a polymer also depend upon the form and arrangement of its macro

molecule.

Classification of polymers

Classification of polymers: There are several ways to classify polymers. The classification is

based on several considerations. The source of polymer i.e. natural on synthetic, the type of

polymerization process used in the synthesis, nature and type of chain and the solid state

behavior of polymer chains etc. Again polymers may be classified on the basis of the following.

(i) Their reaction of stress and temperature.

(ii) Their mechanical strength and behavior

(iii) The ways by which they are produced

(iv) Their molecular arrangement

(vi) The morphology of the polymeric substances.

On the basis of different chemical structures, physical properties, mechanical behavior, thermal

characteristics, stereochemistry, polymers can be classified into the following ways.

Natural and synthetic polymers: Depending on their origin, polymers can be grouped as

natural and synthetic. Those isolated from natural material are called natural polymers e.g.

Cotton, wool, rubber, cellophane, cellulose rayon, leather and so on are chemical modification of

natural polymers.

Polymer synthesized from low molecular weight compounds are called synthetic polymers e.g.

polyethylene, nylon and Terylene.

Organic and inorganic polymers: Polymers who backbone chain is essentially made of carbon

atoms is termed as organic polymer. The majority of the synthetic polymers are organic.

Generally inorganic polymers contain no carbon atom in their chain backbone. Glasses and

silicon rubber are examples of inorganic polymers.

Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers

Some polymers soften on heating and can be converted into any shape that they can retain on

cooling. The process of heating, reshaping and retaining the same on cooling can be repeated

several times such polymers, that soften on heating and stiffen on cooling are termed as

thermoplastics. E.g. PVC, Polyethylene, nylon and sealing wax.

themselves into infusible mass. They are like yolk of egg, which on heating sets into a mass and

once set, cannot be reshaped. These are called thermosetting polymers.

Plastics, elastomers, fibers and liquid resin

When a polymer is shaped into hard and tough utility articles by the application of heat and

pressure, it is used as a PLASTIC. When vulcanized into rubbery products exhibiting good

strength and elongation, polymers are used as elastomers. E.g. Natural rubber, synthetic rubber

and silicon rubber.

If drawn into long filament like material whose length is at least 100 times its diameter ,polymers

are said to have be converted into fiber e.g. nylon and terylene.

Polymers used as adhesive, potting compound sealants etc in a liquid form are described as

liquid resins. Commercial available epoxy adhesives and polysulphide sealants are typical

examples.