CHAPTER 7

SYNTHETIC MATERIALS IN
INDUSTRY
7.1: Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers: artificial polymers
Elastomers
Thermoplastics
Thermosets
Uses of Synthetic polymers
Synthetic rubber:
-Balloon
-Gloves
-Tyres
-Engine belts
Synthetic fibre:
(Nylon, Polyester)
-Fabric
Plastic:
(PVC,
Polystyrene - foam,
Epoxy resin)

-Toy
-Plastic cups
-Furniture
-Food packaging
-High-strength glue
Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic fibre

Polyester
Plastics

Toys
Process of Making Synthetic Polymers
Polymerisation: monomers bound together to
form polymers
Polymerisation Reaction
Addition
polymerisation
Condensation
polymerisation
Addition
polymerisation
Not produce by-products
Monomer + monomer + . Polymer
Example: PVCs
Condensation
polymerisation
Produce by-products
Monomer + monomer + . Polymer + Small molecule
Example: Nylon, polystyrene
Synthetic Rubber
Characteristics:
1. Elastic
2. Resistant to heat,
Water, oil
Uses:
1. Balloon
2. Glove
3. Raincoat
4. Engine parts
5. Teat milk bottle

7.2: Plastics
Plastics Characteristics uses
PVC:
polyvinylchloride
Tough, flexible,
cheap, easy
print on it
Identification
card
Polystyrene Foam/ rigid,
clean,
lightweight,
water resistant
Food container,
toys
Plastics Characteristics uses
Polythene Low density
High density
Plastic
container,
plastic bag
Polyamide
(nylon)
Water resistant Bristle of
toothbrush,
clothing, ropes,
carpets
Nylon
Polythene
Plastics Characteristics uses
Polyethylene
terephthalate
(PET)
Recyclable Bottles
Polyurethane Strong,
lightweight
Wheel of
skateboard
PET
Thermoplastics & Thermosetting Plastics
Thermoplastics Thermosetting plastics
Soft when heated Blister when heated
Can remoulded Cannot remoulded
recyclable Non-recyclable
unbreakable Brittle
Ex: Mineral bottle, plastic
bag
Ex: Melamine plate, mugs,
covering of electric
appliances, adhesive
Thermoplastics
Thermosetting plastics
Melamine plate
Disposal of Plastics Materials
Dispose into river: clog sewer system
Dispose into sea: Contaminated sea
Hazard marine life
Plastic take long time to disintegrate
Burning: toxic gas
Proper manage
Reduce Recycle
Reuse
Proper waste
disposal
7.3: Responsible Attitudes in the Disposal of
synthetic Polymers
Using degradable synthetic polymer
Cannot decompose in landfills
Non-biodegrable (cannot decompose by microorganism)

Incineration with energy recovery
What you can do to help
Donate to charities: toys
Reduce the need to throw away: plastic bag
Choose product with minimal packaging
Sort garbage: plastic, paper, glass, aluminium