POLYMER CHEMISTRY A Presentation for the Introductory Seminar in Chemistry The University of Akron October 15, 2008 Traian-Ovidiu Gheorghiu * * * What is a polymer ? Thermoset plastics tend to be rigid and have high molecular weights. While thermoset plastics form irreversible chemical bonds when cured, the bonding in thermoplastics weakens with temperature. Natural polymers were used for their chemical properties long before they were understood in the chemistry laboratory: Wool, leather, and flax were processed into fibers to make clothing; animal bone was boiled down to make glues. Formulas for these will be displayed below by clicking on the diagram. Often achieved by adding atoms or molecules that form covalent links between chains. Polymer chemistry 1. Polymer and monomers (Polymers definition) Polymers are high molecular mass substances containing large number of repeating structural units derived from simple molecules. These macromolecules are present in virtually everything that surrounds us. 3. There are two types of polymers: Natural polymers : They are those found in nature. Natural polymers have been used by man since prehistory and have been modified and processed empirically over many centuries for various applications, for example, textiles for clothing and papyrus. Supplying the entire polymer chain. Molecular Weights of Polymers Most polymers are not composed of identical molecules. The modern understanding of polymers as macromolecules was proposed by German organic chemist Hermann Staudinger (1881–1965) in 1920. Moreover, they constitute the basis of such minerals as diamond , quartz , and feldspar and such man-made materials as concrete , glass , paper , plastics , and rubbers . Polymer Chemistry Online A-Z. W. A. Benjamin, Inc. , Menlo Park, CA. 3) Since the carbon-carbon double bonds in the monomers are, in effect, converted to two single carbon-carbon bonds in the polymer, Table 1. This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. Examples of thermoplastics include acrylic, nylon, Teflon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS, and polyethylene. The process of vulcanizing rubber by adding sulfur and applying heat was described by British engineer Thomas Hancock (1786–1865) in 1843 (UK patent) and American chemist Charles Goodyear (1800–1860) in 1844. Among them are: DNA , starch , silk and cellulose . There are 4 types of addition polymerization reaction: Radical polymerization in which the initiating species (Z*) is a radical while the site of reactivity (*) is a carbon radical. 17. Examples of thermoset plastics include epoxy, polyester, acrylic resins, polyurethanes, and vinyl esters. Natural polymers (also called biopolymers) include silk, rubber, cellulose, wool, amber, keratin, collagen, starch, DNA, and shellac. 2. Do you need some examples of polymers? Learn about the properties of polymers and how they can be used with BBC Bitesize GCSE Chemistry. An illustration describing the general structure of these polymers is provided below. The osmotic, light scattering, and viscosity methods of molecular weight determination are fully discussed together with the kinetics of selected examples of condensation and free-radical addition polymerization. Natural polymers include: Polymers were first manufactured by people seeking substitutes for natural ones, in particular, rubber and silk. The word polymer comes from the Greek prefix poly-, which means "many," and the suffix -mer, which means "parts." Synthetic polymers are used to make plastics, adhesives, paints, mechanical parts, and many common objects. 2.Branched polymers: Chain packing efficiency is reduced compared to linear polymers - lower density 18. This polymer was used as a surgical dressing, starting with the U.S. Civil War and afterward. Synthetic polymers may be grouped into two categories. Polymer adhesives are broadly classified as thermoplastic, or thermosetting, depending on the molecular structure. Natural polymers have been used since ancient times, but mankind's ability to intentionally synthesize polymers is a fairly recent development. For example, in free radical polymerizations the concentration of free radicals is approximately 10-8 M. Hence, the polymerization mixture consists primarily of newly-formed polymer and unreacted monomer. Polymers make up many of the materials in living organisms, including, for example, proteins, cellulose, and nucleic acids. In chemistry of industrial polymers: Organometallic catalysis …polymers are referred to as stereoregular—that is, polymers having an ordered arrangement of pendant groups along the chain. 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