WORLD OF POLYMERS

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CONTENT

• Definition
• Classification
• Polymerization
• Characteristics, properties and uses

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WHAT IS A POLYMER ?

A polymer is a macromolecule, that is, a giant molecule

consisting of the repetition of hundreds or thousands of
simple molecules called monomers, linked together by
chemical bonds

Monomer Polymer
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 Classification of origin
Polymer

Naturals Synthetics

Organics Inorgánics

Fibers Plastics Elastómers

Thermo Thermo Thermo Thermo

plastics set plastics set
Silicons
Proteins Styrene – Polysilanes
Textiles Vinyl (PVC) Bakelite Polygermans
Starchs butadiene – Rubber
Polyester Polyolefins (PE, PP ) Melanin Polyphosphazene
DNA styrene

Source: Geon Andina

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 Classification by structure

Polymer

Not Crosslinked Crosslinked

Amorphous Cristalline Elastomers Thermosets

Flexible linear chains Crosslinked Crosslinked

chains rigid chains
Source: Geon Andina
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Polymerization
Process that allows the formation of both
natural and synthetic polymers, from
monomers.

Types of Polymerization

Addiction Condensation

Source: Notes: Training Materials. Instructor: Harry Maturana SENA

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Plastics manufacturing
Profiles
Extrusion Films
Calendering Sheets
and rolling Films
Oil S. Leather
Thermo
formed Exhibitors
Packaging
Cracking
Injection Pipe
Compuund molding accessories
Monomer Polymer
Compression Pegs
molding Plugs
Polymerization Polymer Additivation
Blow Shrink film
Plasticizer molding
Lubricant
Stabilizer Additives Vesels
Rotational
Others molding Toys
Source: Owm Furniture
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 PVC profiles manufacture
PVC is the polymer that consumes less non-renewable resources. In its
manufacture it demands less energy It can be recyclable in different
opportunities. Industrial exploitation of agricultural by-products.

PULLING CUT
EXTRUDER COOLER
PVC
CATERPILLAR
47% ethylene
53% Chloride Energy Energy Energy Energy
Fiber Cold water Cold wáter Compressed air
Compressed air Compressed air
Vacuum Air
Energy

Finished product
PVC profile
Cold
water Heat Product
VAPORS Hot water
HEAT
SOLIDS By-product
BY-PRODUCTS VIRUTE

EMISSION OF NOISE THROUGHOUT THE PRODUCTION LINE

Source: Owm
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Properties of Polymers

Property Advantages Applications

Fusion temperature Low Easy processing High consumption
products
Elasticity High High ductility Tires, plastics for
packaging
Density Low Light products Automotive industry
Thermal conductivity Low Thermal insulators Building
Electric conductivity Low Electrical insulators Coating cables
Chemical resistance High Corrosion resistance Pipes, containers and
coatings

Source: Tecnología de Polímeros, Maribel Beltrán. 2012

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 Characteristics of Polymers

Thermoplastics Thermostable Elastomers

Hot Melt Not melt Not melt
Solvents Soluble Insoluble Insoluble
Structure Linear Crosslinked Little crosslinked
Crystallinity Amorphous or Crystalline Amorphous Amorphous
Mechanical Rigid T < Tg Rigid Flexible
properties
Processing No chemical reaction Chemical reaction Chemical reaction
Examples PE, PP, PVC, polyamides Resins: Rubber
poly esters Epoxy Polybutadiene,
Phenol-formaldehyde polyisoprene

Source: Tecnología de Polímeros, Maribel Beltrán. 2012

GC-F-004 V.01
Thank you

GC-F--004
GC-F-004 V.01