Polymer Notes with PDF

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Overview of Polymer Classification

• Natural Polymers: Occur in nature.
• Synthetic Polymers: Created by humans through chemical processes.

Topic 1: Natural Polymers

Definition & Examples

• Polymers that occur in nature.
• Examples: Wool, Silk, Leather, Starch, Protein, Cotton, Natural Rubber.

Specific Natural Polymers

• Natural Rubber:
  • A polymer of Isoprene.
• Cellulose:
  • The most abundantly found organic compound in nature.
  • Made up of glucose units.
• Starch:
  • A polymer made up of glucose units (like cellulose).
• Fibroin:
  • The protein in silk is a natural polymer.

Synthetic Polymers (Man-Made)

Definition & Examples

• Polymers are created by humans through chemical processes.
• Examples: Nylon, Bakelite, Kevlar, Lexan, Rayon, Teflon, Polystyrene, Polythene (Polyethylene), PVC, Neoprene.

Specific Synthetic Polymers & Their Uses

• Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene – PTFE):
  • Type: Fluorocarbon polymer, synthetic.
  • Monomer: Tetrafluoroethylene.
  • Use: Non-stick surface coatings for utensils and frying pans.
• Polycarbonates (e.g., Lexan):
  • Component: Made using Bisphenol A (BPA).
  • Use: Bullet-proof windows.
• Kevlar:
  • Type: Polyamide.
  • Use: Bullet-proof vests/jackets and materials.
• Bakelite:
  • Formed by the condensation of Phenol and Formaldehyde.
• Polythene (Polyethylene):
  • Monomer: Ethene (Ethylene).
  • Polyethylene gas is obtained from plastic.
• Neoprene:
  • Type: Synthetic rubber (elastomer).
  • Monomer: Chloroprene.
• Nylon:
  • Type: Non-cellulosic fiber (not derived from cellulose).
  • Note: Caprolactam is the monomer for Nylon-6, not a polymer itself.

Classification Based on Properties

Biodegradability

• Biodegradable Polymers:
  • Typically natural polymers (e.g., Cellulose, Starch, Protein).
• Non-Biodegradable Polymers:
  • Typically synthetic polymers (e.g., PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride).

Response to Heat

• Thermoplastics:
  • Can be softened by heating and hardened by cooling repeatedly.
  • Examples: Teflon, Polystyrene, Polythene.
• Non-Thermoplastic Example:
  • Neoprene is not a thermoplastic (it is an elastomer).

Special Applications and Key Chemicals

Bullet-Proof Materials

• Key Polymers: Kevlar and Lexan (Polycarbonate) are the correct combination used.
• Uses:
  • Kevlar: Bullet-proof vests/jackets.
  • Polycarbonates (e.g., Lexan): Bullet-proof windows.

Key Monomers and Chemicals

• Bisphenol A (BPA):
  • Used in the manufacture of Polycarbonate plastics.
  • Used in the development of food packaging materials.
• Phenol:
  • Used in the manufacture of Bakelite.
• Tetrafluoroethylene:
  • The monomer for Teflon (PTFE).
• Chloroprene:
  • The monomer for Neoprene.
  • Note: Natural rubber is polyisoprene, not chloroprene.

Know More About Polymer:

• Polymer – Old Year Questions
• Polymer One Liner Questions & Answers