SYNTHETIC POLYMERS

Human made polymers

Plastics are also called synthetic resins

and are broadly classified into two
categories: thermosetting resins and
thermoplastic resins.
The thermosetting resins include phenolic
resin and melamine resin, which are thermally
hardened and never become soft again.
Thermoplastic resins include PVC,
polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and
polypropylene (PP), which can be re-softened
by heating.

Usually, thermoplastics are supplied in the form

of pelletised material (compounds) with

additives (antioxidants, etc.) already blended in

Organic Polymers or (Common

Polymers)
1.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)

1.
2.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Low Density Polyethylene(LDPE)

High Density Polyethylene(HDPE)

Polypropylene(PP)
Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)
Polystyrene(PS)
Nylon, nylon 6, nylon 6,6
Polytetrafluoroethylene Teflon
Thermoplastic polyurethanes(TPU)
Polycarbonate: Lexan
Polymethyl methacrylate: Plexiglass

Polyethylene Terephthalate
(PETE)
PETE is one of the most widely used
polymers in industry today, it is used to
make most plastic bottles and containers.

Low-density
polyethylene(LDPE)
LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the
monomer
ethylene. It was the first grade of
polyethylene,
produce in 1933 by Imperial Chemical
Industries(ICI)

Low-density
polyethylene(LDPE)
LDPE is defined by a density range of
0.9100.940 g/cm3. It is not reactive
atroom temperatures, except by strong
oxidizing agents, and somesolventcause
swelling. It can withstand temperatures
of 80 C continuously and 95 C for a
short time. Made in translucent or
opaque variations, it is quite flexible, and
tough but breakable

High-density polyethylene(HDPE)
HDPE is apolyethylene thermoplastic made from
petroleum. HDPE is known for its large strength to
density ratio. The mass density of high-density
polyethylene can range from 0.93 to 0.97
g/cm3.Although the density of HDPE is only marginally
higher than that oflow-density polyethylene, HDPE
has littlebranching, giving it strongerintermolecular
forcesandtensile strengththan LDPE. The difference
in strength exceeds the difference in density, giving
HDPE a higherspecific strength.It is also harder and
more opaque and can withstand somewhat
highertemperatures(120 C/ 248 F for short periods,
110 C /230 F continuously).

Polypropylene (PP) or
Polypropene

PP is athermoplastic polymerused in a
wide variety of applications
includingpackaging and
labeling,textiles(e.g.,ropes, thermal
underwear and carpets),stationery,
plastic parts and reusable containers of
various types, laboratory
equipment,loudspeakers, automotive
components.

Polypropylene (PP) or
Polypropene

Most commercial polypropylene has an

intermediate level ofcrystallinitybetween that of
low-densitypolyethylene(LDPE) and high-density
polyethylene (HDPE). Polypropylene is normally
tough and flexible, especially
whencopolymerizedwith ethylene. This allows
polypropylene to be used as anengineering plastic.
Polypropylene is reasonably economical, and can
be madetranslucent when uncolored but is not as
readily made transparent aspolystyrene,acrylic, or
certain other plastics. It is oftenopaqueor colored
using pigments. Polypropylene has good resistance
tofatigue.

Polypropylene (PP) or
Polypropene

The melting point of polypropylene

occurs at a range, so a melting point is
determined by finding the highest
temperature of adifferential scanning
calorimetrychart. Perfectly isotactic PP
has a melting point of171 C(340F).
Commercial isotactic PP has a melting
point that ranges from 160 to 166 C
(320to 331F).

Polypropylene (PP) or
Polypropene
Melt processing of polypropylene can be
achieved viaextrusionandmolding. Common
extrusion methods include production of meltblown and spun-bond fibers to form long rolls
for future conversion into a wide range of
useful products, such as face masks, filters,
diapers and wipes.
The most common shaping technique
isinjection molding.

Polypropylene (PP) or
Polypropene

Polypropylene is used in the manufacturing

piping systems; both ones concerned with
high-purity and ones designed for strength
and rigidity (e.g. those intended for use in
potable plumbing, hydronic heating and
cooling).This material is often chosen for its
resistance to corrosion and chemical leaching,
its resilience against most forms of physical
damage, including impact and freezing, its
environmental benefits, and its ability to be
joined byheat fusionrather than gluing.

Polypropylene (PP) or
Polypropene

Polypropylene lid of aTic-Tacbox,

with aidentification codeunder
its flap

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

the third-most widely producedplastic,

afterpolyethyleneandpolypropylene.PVC is
used in constructionbecause it is more effective
than traditional materials such as copper, iron or
wood. It can be made softer and more flexible by
the addition ofplasticizers. In this form, it is also
used inclothingandupholstery, electrical cable
insulation, inflatable products and many
applications in which it replaces rubber.
Pure polyvinyl chloride is a white, brittle solid. It
is insoluble in alcohol, but slightly soluble
intetrahydrofuran.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC's relatively low cost, biological and

chemical resistance and workability have
resulted in it being used for a wide variety of
applications. It is used forsewerage pipesand
other pipe applications where cost or
vulnerability tocorrosionlimit the use ofmetal.
With the addition of impact modifiers and
stabilizers, it has become a popular material
forwindowanddoorframes. By adding
plasticizers, it can become flexible enough to be
used in cabling applications as awireinsulator.
It has been used inmany other applications.

PVC pellets

Polysterene (PS)

PS is a syntheticaromaticpolymermade from
themonomerstyrene, a liquidpetrochemical.
Polystyrene can be rigid or foamed. General
purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It
is a very inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is
a rather poor barrier to oxygen and water
vapor and has a relatively low melting
point.Polystyrene is one of the most widely
usedplastics, the scale of its production being
several billion kilograms per year.Polystyrene
can be naturallytransparent, but can be
colored with colorants.

Polysterene (PS)

As athermoplasticpolymer, polystyrene
is in a solid (glassy) state at room
temperature but flows if heated above
about 100 C on itsglass transition
temperature then becomes rigid again
when cooled. This temperature behavior
is exploited forextrusion, and also
formoldingandvacuum forming, since it
can be cast into molds with fine detail.

Polysterene (PS)

It is very slow tobiodegradeand

therefore a focus of controversy, since it
is often abundant as a form oflitterin the
outdoorenvironment, particularly along
shores and waterways especially in its
foam form.

Polysterene

Polysterene

Polysterene

Polysterene

Polysterene

CD case made from general purpose polystyrene (GPPS)

and high impact polystyrene (HIPS)

Disposable polystyrene razor

Polysterene

Expanded polystyrene packaging

Theresin identification code symbol for polystyrene

Polysterene

Polystyrene foam is a major component of plastic debris in the ocean,

where it becomes hazardous to marine life and "could lead to the
transfer [of] toxic chemicals to the food chain . Animals do not
recognize this artificial material and may even mistake it for food.
Polystyrene foam blows in the wind and floats on water, and is
abundant in the outdoor environment. It can be lethal to any bird or
sea creature that swallows significant quantities.

Polysterene
Restricting the use of foamed polystyrene
takeout food packaging is a priority of
many solid wasteenvironmental
organizations. Efforts have been made to
find alternatives to polystyrene,
especially foam in restaurant settings.
The original impetus was to eliminate
chlorofluorocarbons(CFC), which was
former component of foam.

Nylon

Nylonis a generic designation for a

family ofsynthetic polymersknown
generically as aliphaticpolyamides, first
produced on February 28, 1935,
byWallace CarothersatDuPont's
research facility at theDuPont
Experimental Station. Nylon is one of the
most commonly used polymers.Key
representatives arenylon-6,6,nylon-6,
nylon-6,9,nylon-6,12,nylon-11,nylon-12
andnylon-4,6.

Nylon

Nylon is athermoplastic,silky material, made

ofrepeating units linked byamidebondsand is
frequently referred to aspolyamide(PA).

Nylon was the firstcommerciallysuccessful synthetic

thermoplastic polymer. There are two common ways of
making nylon for fiber applications. In one approach,
molecules with an acid (-COOH) group on each end are
reacted with molecules containing amine (-NH2) groups
on each end. The resulting nylon is named on the basis
of the number of carbon atoms separating the two acid
groups and the two amines. These are formed
intomonomersof intermediatemolecular weight, which
are then reacted to form longpolymerchains.

Nylon

Nylon was intended to be a synthetic

replacement forsilkand substituted for it
in many different products after silk
became scarce duringWorld War II. It
replaced silk in military applications such
asparachutesandflak vests, and was
used in many types of vehicle tires.

Nylon

Engineering-grade nylon is processed

byextrusion,casting, andinjection
molding. Type Nylon 6,6 is the most
common commercial grade of nylon, and
Nylon 6 is the most common commercial
grade of molded nylon.

Nylon

Nylon

Nylon

Nylon

Nylon

Nylon

Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)

Is a syntheticfluoropolymer of
tetrafluoroethylene that has numerous
applications. The best known brand name
of PTFE isTeflonbyDuPontCo.

Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)

PTFE is afluorocarbonsolid, as it is a
high-molecular-weightcompound
consisting ofcarbonandfluorine. PTFE
ishydrophobic: neither water nor watercontaining substances wet PTFE and
possesses fairly high heat resistance, as
fluorocarbons demonstrate
mitigatedLondon dispersion forcesdue
to the highelectronegativityof fluorine.
PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients
offrictionagainst any solid.

Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)

PTFE is used as anon-stickcoating for

pans and othercookware. It is very nonreactive, partly because of the strength
ofcarbonfluorine bonds, and so it is
often used in containers and pipework for
reactive and corrosive chemicals. When
used as alubricant, PTFE reduces friction,
wear, and energy consumption of
machinery. It is also commonly used as a
graft material in surgical interventions.

Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)

PTFE is athermoplasticpolymer, which is a

white solid at room temperature, with a density
of about 2200kg/m3. According to DuPont, its
melting point is600 K(327C; 620F).Its
mechanical properties degrade gradually at
temperatures above194 K(79C;
110F).PTFE gains its properties from the
aggregate effect ofcarbon-fluorine bonds, as
do all fluorocarbons. The only chemicals known
to affect these carbon-fluorine bonds are
certainalkali metalsand most highly
reactivefluorinating agents.

Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)

In industrial applications, owing to its low

friction, PTFE is used for applications where
sliding action of parts is needed:plain
bearings,gears,slide plates, etc. In these
applications, it performs significantly better
thannylonandacetal; it is comparable toultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene(UHMWPE),
although UHMWPE is more resistant to wear
than PTFE, for these applications, versions of
PTFE with mineral oil ormolybdenum
disulfideembedded as additionallubricantsin
its matrix are being manufactured.

Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)

PTFE is often used to coat non-stickfrying pansas it is

hydrophobicand possesses fairly high heat resistance.

Thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU)

(TPU) is any of a class ofpolyurethane plastics with many

useful properties, including elasticity,transparency, and
resistance to oil, grease and abrasion.

TPU are formed by the reaction of:

(1)diisocyanateswith short-chaindiols(so-called chain
extenders)
(2) diisocyanates with long-chains. The practically
unlimited amount of possible combinations
producible
by varying the structure and/or molecular weight of the
three reaction compounds allows for an enormous variety
of different TPU. This allows urethane chemists to finetune the polymers structure to the desired final properties
of the material.

Polymethyl methacrylate or
(plexiglass)

Poly(methyl methacrylate), which lazy scientists call

PMMA, is a clear plastic, used as a shatterproof
replacement for glass.

i.e. The barrier at the ice rink which keeps hockey pucks
from flying in the faces of fans is made of PMMA.

The chemical company Rohm and Haas makes

windows out of it and calls it Plexiglas.
When it comes to making windows, PMMA has another
advantage over glass.
PMMA is more transparent than glass.
When glass windows are made too thick, they become
difficult to see through. But PMMA windows can be made as
much as 13 inches (33 cm) thick, and they're still perfectly
transparent.

Polymethyl methacrylate or
(plexiglass)
This makes PMMA a wonderful material
for making large aquariums, whose
windows must be thick in order to contain
the high pressure millions of gallons of
water. In fact, the largest single window
in the world, is at an observation window
at California's Monterrey Bay Aquarium,
made of one big piece of PMMA which is
54 feet long, 18 feet high, and 13 inches
thick (16.6 m long, 5.5 m high, and 33 cm
thick).

Polycarbonate
Lexan, also known as polycarbonate is
approximately 250 times stronger than plate
glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic of
equal thickness. Polycarbonate sheet provides
lasting protection against vandalism and
burglary, as well as against natural
occurrences, such as high winds, snow loads,
and hailstorms. It is unlikely to break, shatter
or chip when bombarded with thrown objects
such as rocks, bricks, and bottles, nor is it
likely that the material will break when
hammered, twisted or bent.

THE EFFECT OF THE USES OF SYNTHESIS

POLYMERS TO OURENVIRONMENT

Most polymers are not biodegradable. Polymers cannot be decomposed biologically ornaturally
by bacteria or fungi as in the case of other garbage. Thus, the disposal of polymers has resulted in
environmental pollution because they remain in the environment forever.

Discarded plastic items may cause blockage of drainagesystems and rivers thus causing flash
floods.

Plastic containers and bottles thrown around become good breeding places for mosquitoes which
cause dengue fever, or malaria.

Small plastic items that are thrown into the rivers, lakes and seas are swallowedby aquatic
animals. These animals may die from choking

burning of plastics gives rise topoisonous and acidic gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen
chloride and hydrogen cyanide. These are harmful to the environment as they cause acid rain.

Burning of plastics can also producecarbon dioxide, too much ofthis gas in the atmosphere leads
to the `green house effect'.

The mainsource of raw materials for the making of synthetic polymers is petroleum. Petroleum
is a non renewable resource.