Introduction to Polymers
What are polymers, monomers and
Polymerizations? What are polymer and polymerization types? The addition-condensation system The chain growth-step growth system Nomenclature of polymers Homopolymer vs. copolymer Classification of polymers depending on their structure Thermosets vs. Thermopalstics
Introduction to Polymers
Polymers are macromolecules built up by the linking together of large numbers of much smaller molecules.
Introduction to Polymers
The small molecules which combine with each other to form polymer molecules are termed monomers.
Introduction to Polymers
Introduction to Polymers
Ethylene
Polyethylene
Let CH2-CH2 1 inch Consider only a 200 Molecular weights of 1,000,000 are not uncommon for PE ! - mer, Mw 5600
This ends up with a chain of approximately 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in diameter and 1/2 mile (805 m) long.
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Introduction to Polymers
Classification of Polymers
Polymer Structure
Polymerization Mechanism
Condensation Polymers
Addition Polymers
StepPolymerization
ChainPolymerization
Introduction to Polymers
Polymer Structure
The addition-condensation system
The condensation takes place between two polyfunctional molecules to produce one larger polyfunctional molecule with the possible elimination of a small molecule such as water. The reaction continues until one of the reagents is used up.
Introduction to Polymers
Polymer Structure
The addition-condensation system
Adipoyl chloride
Hexamethylene diamine
Nylone 6/6
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What are addition polymers?
Addition polymers are those formed from monomers without the loss of a small molecule.
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Polymer Structure
The addition-condensation system
The major addition polymers are those formed by polymerization of monomers containing carboncarbon double bond; such monomers are called vinyl monomers or substituted ethylenes.
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Usually in this type of polymerization, vinyl monomers react with themselves to form polymers
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What about polyurethane, is it condensation or addition polymer?
CO O NH CO
ester
amide
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Polymer Structure
The addition-condensation system
Condensation polymers (New definition)
Polymers whose repeating units are joined together by functional units such as ester (-OCO-), amide (-NHCO-), urethane (-OCONH-), sulfide (-SO2-) and other linkages.
-R-Z-R-Z-R-Z-R-Z-R-ZR is aliphatic or aromatic grouping and Z is functional unit.
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Introduction to Polymers
Polymerization Mechanism
The step-chain polymerization
There are two major differences between the two mechanisms: 1. The nature of the species that can react with each other. 2. The relationship between polymer molecular size and polymerization conversion.
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Chain polymerization
The characteristic of chain polymer is that polymer growth takes place by monomer reacting only with the reactive centers. Monomer does not react with monomer and the different-sized species such as dimer, trimer, and n-mer do not react with each other. Polymerization ceases when the active centre destroyed by termination reaction(s).
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Chain polymerization anionic polymerization of styrene
But, the following is NOT possible
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Step polymerization
In step polymerization each polymer formed can react further with monomer or other polymers. Each dimer, trimer, etc. is just as reactive as monomer. By this mechanism, the size of the polymer molecules increases slowly.
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Step polymerization the production of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
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Step polymerization the production of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
Next steps:
Or..
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Nomenclature based on source
Most simple and frequently used It is applicable to polymers synthesized from a single monomer as in addition and ring-opening polymerizations. How to name: simple monomers: add monomer name to the prefix poly without space or hyphen.
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Nomenclature based on source
simple monomers
Ethylene
Polyethylene Polyacetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
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Nomenclature based on source
Monomers have multiword name or abnormally long name: parenthesis are placed around its name following the prefix poly
3-methyl-1-pentene Propylene oxide Poly (3-methyl-1-pentene) Poly(propylene oxide) Poly(clorotriflouroethylene)
Clorotriflouroethylene
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Nomenclature based on source
Note: condensation polymers synthesized from single reactants are named in a similar manner.
6-aminocaproic acid
Poly(6-aminocaproic acid)
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What are homopolymers? Homopolymers are polymers composed of only one repeating unit in their molecules.
What are copolymers? Copolymers are polymers composed of two different repeating units in their molecules. Such as
Be careful !!!
Acrylonitirle Styrene
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Types of copolymer systems
Random copolymer
Alternating copolymer
-AABABBBABBAAAA-ABABABABABABAB-
Block copolymer
Graft copolymer
-AAA-BBBBBB-AAAA-BB-
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Linear polymers
What if polymerization conditions are changed or different monomer is used, e.g. ethylene vs. butadiene?
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Branched polymers
What is the effect of branching on polymer Crystallinity properties?
Is it branched polymer?!!!
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Cross-linked polymers Crosslinked polymers do not dissolve but can be swelled by liquids.
Usingcrosslinking appropriate monomers Light improves elasticity properties Chemical reactions
polymer is used as rubber
High degree of crosslinking gives high rigidity and
thermal stability (high melting point).
Polymer molecules are connected together at points BOTH CROSSLINKED POLYMERS CANNOT other than their ends
OR REPOROCESSED
BE RECYLED
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Cross-linked polymers
Examples
Show the polymer formed by the reaction of the following monomers. Is the resulting polymer linear or branched/cross-linked? Solution
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Cross-linked polymers
Examples
Show the polymer formed by the reaction of the following monomers. Is the resulting polymer linear or branched/cross-linked? Solution
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What are thermoset polymers?
Polymers that will not flow when heated. Thermosets have cross-linked structure. Examples are phenolic and epoxy resins.
What are thermoplastic polymers?
Polymers that soften, without chemical change, and take new shapes by the application of heat and pressure and harden when cooled. Thermoplastics have linear and branched structures. Examples are PP, PVC and Nylon
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Classification of polymers polymer structure
Plastics
Thermosets
Thermoplastics
Highly cross-linked
Lightly cross-linked
Amorphous
Crystalline
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phenol
formaldehyde
Phenol-formaldehyde
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Is this a homopolymer or copolymer? Why?
The monomer composed of more than one structural unit
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Branched polymer
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