Synthetic Polymers

Fetalvero, Mico S. | Hatud, Jewls M.

 Polymers

◈ Polymers are large molecules made up of many smaller and identical

repeating units joined together by covalent bonds. These molecules are called
monomers.
◈ Polymerization is the chemical process by which the monomers are joined
together to form a big molecule known as polymers.
◈ The properties of a polymer are different from its monomers.
◈ Another common name for many synthetic polymers is plastic, which came
from the Greek word plastikos, meaning to “grow” or “form”.

Fetalvero | Hatud
2
 Types of Polymers

Naturally Occurring Synthetic Polymers

Polymers ◈ Polymers that are man-made by
◈ Polymers that exists in living things chemical processes in the
in nature (plants and animals) laboratories

Fetalvero | Hatud
3
 Naturally Occurring Polymers

Protein Carbohydrates Natural Rubber

◈ Formed by the polymerization ◈ Can be found in starch and ◈ Can be found in latex
of monomers known as amino cellulose
acids (e.g. muscles, skin, silk,
hair, wool, and fur).

Fetalvero | Hatud
4
 Synthetic Polymers
Through scientific research, scientists are able to
copy the structures of natural polymers to produce
synthetic polymers. Many of the raw materials for
synthetic polymers are obtained from petroleum,
after the refining and cracking processes.

Fetalvero | Hatud
5
 Types of Synthetic Polymer

Plastics
◈ composed of polymers of carbon and hydrogen alone or with oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, or sulfur in the back bone

Example of Plastics:
1. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- Often found in household. LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. LDPE is commonly recycled,
with the number 4 as its recycling symbol.
2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from
petroleum. HDPE is commonly recycled, with the number 2 as its recycling symbol.
3. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
- it has many useful properties, including elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion.

Fetalvero | Hatud
6
 Types of Synthetic Polymer

Example of Plastics:
4. Polypropylene
- Also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications, including
packaging and labeling, textiles, stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types,
laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes.
5. Polyvinyl Chloride
- The third most widely produced plastic. PVC is used in construction because it is cheaper and stronger
than more traditional alternatives such as copper or ductile iron.
6. Polystyrene
- An aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical. One of the most popular
plastics, PS is a colorless solid that is used in disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, and
smoke detector housings.

Fetalvero | Hatud
7
 Types of Synthetic Polymer

Fibre
◈ Long chain polymers that withstand stretching

Examples of Fibre:
1. Polyamides (Nylon)
- Often used for monofilaments and yarns. Characteristically polyamides (nylons) are very resistant to wear and
abrasion, have good mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.
2. Terylene
- A synthetic polyester fibre produced by polymerizing ethylene glycol and terephthelic acid which is obtained from
petroleum.

Fetalvero | Hatud
8
 Types of Synthetic Polymer

Examples of Fibre:
3. Phenol Formaldehyde Resins
- Phenol formaldehyde resins (PF) or phenolic resins are synthetic polymers obtained by the reaction of phenol or
substituted phenol with formaldehyde.
4. Acrylic Polymer
- Acrylic polymer emulsions are water-based polymers that can be produced from methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate,
2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, etc.

Fetalvero | Hatud
9
 Types of Synthetic Polymer

Elastomers
◈ Polymer that can regain its original shape after being stretched or pressed

Examples of Elastomers:
1. Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
- The highest volume general purpose synthetic rubber.
2. Hevea Rubber (NR) and Polyisoprene (IR)
- Is the only non-synthetic rubber and has been in commercial use since the beginning of the 20th century.
3. Chloroprene Rubber (CR)
- also known as chlorobutadiene rubber, is an important diene-based elastomer. Chloroprene rubber typically displays
good resistance to ozone cracking, heat aging and to chemical attack.

Fetalvero | Hatud
10
 Applications
Polymeric materials are used in and on soil to
improve aeration, provide mulch, and promote
plant growth and health.

Fetalvero | Hatud
11
 Applications

Medicine Consumer Science

◈ Many biomaterials, especially heart valve replacements ◈ Clothing, floor coverings, garbage disposal bags, and
and blood vessels, are made of polymers like Dacron, packaging are other polymer applications.
Tefflon, and Polyurethane.

Fetalvero | Hatud
12
 Applications

Industry Sports
◈ Automobile parts, windshield for fighter planes, pipes, ◈ Playground equipment, various balls, golf clubs,
tanks, packing materials, insulation, wood substitutes, swimming pools, and protective helmets are often
adhesives, matrix for composites, and elastomers are produced from polymers.
all polymer applications used in the industrial market.

Fetalvero | Hatud
13
Manufacturing Process

Fetalvero | Hatud
14
Applications

Fetalvero | Hatud
15