Skip to main content
Chemistry LibreTexts

10.7: Polymers

  • Page ID
    13508
  • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    Polymers are long chain, giant organic molecules are assembled from many smaller molecules called monomers. Polymers consist of many repeating monomer units in long chains, sometimes with branching or cross-linking between the chains. A polymer is analogous to a necklace made from many small beads (monomers). A chemical reaction forming polymers from monomers is called polymerization, of which there are many types. A common name for many synthetic polymer materials is plastic, which comes from the Greek word "plastikos", suitable for molding or shaping.

    In the following illustrated example, many monomers called styrene are polymerized into a long chain polymer called polystyrene. The squiggly lines indicate that the polymer molecule extends further at both the left and right ends. In fact, polymer molecules are often hundreds or thousands of monomer units long.

    Polystyrene_formation.PNG

    Introduction

    Many objects in daily use from packing, wrapping, and building materials include half of all polymers synthesized. Other uses include textiles, many electronic appliance casings, CD's, automobile parts, and many others are made from polymers. A quarter of the solid waste from homes is plastic materials - some of which may be recycled as shown in the table below.

    Some products, such as adhesives, are made to include monomers which can be polymerized by the user in their application.

    polyurethane.GIF

    Types of Polymers

    There are many types of polymers including synthetic and natural polymers.

    Natural biopolymers

    Synthetic polymers

    • Plastics
    • Elastomers - solids with rubber-like qualities
      • Rubber (carbon backbone often from hydrocarbon monomers)
      • silicones (backbone of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms).
    • Fibers
    • Solid materials of intermediate characteristics
    • Gels or viscous liquids

    Classification of Polymers

    • Homopolymers: These consist of chains with identical bonding linkages to each monomer unit. This usually implies that the polymer is made from all identical monomer molecules. These may be represented as : -[A-A-A-A-A-A]- Homopolymers are commonly named by placing the prefix poly in front of the constituent monomer name. For example, polystyrene is the name for the polymer made from the monomer styrene (vinylbenzene).
    • Copolymers: These consist of chains with two or more linkages usually implying two or more different types of monomer units. These may be represented as : -[A-B-A-B-A-B]-

    Polymers classified by mode of polymerization

    • Addition Polymers: The monomer molecules bond to each other without the loss of any other atoms. Addition polymers from alkene monomers or substituted alkene monomers are the biggest groups of polymers in this class. Ring opening polymerization can occur without the loss of any small molecules.
    • Condensation Polymers: Usually two different monomer combine with the loss of a small molecule, usually water. Most polyesters and polyamides (nylon) are in this class of polymers. Polyurethane Foam in graphic above.

    Polymers classified by Physical Response to Heating

    Thermoplastics

    Plastics that soften when heated and become firm again when cooled. This is the more popular type of plastic because the heating and cooling may be repeated and the thermoplastic may be reformed.

    Thermosets

    These are plastics that soften when heated and can be molded, but harden permanently. They will decompose when reheated. An example is Bakelite, which is used in toasters, handles for pots and pans, dishes, electrical outlets and billiard balls.

    Recycled Plastics

    Recycle Code Abbreviation and Chemical Name of Plastic Types of Uses and Examples
    1 PET - polyethylene terephthalate Many types of clear plastic consumer bottles, including clear, 2-liter beverage bottles
    2 HDPE - High density polyethylene Milk jugs, detergent bottles, some water bottles, some grocery plastic bags
    3 PVC - Polyvinyl chloride Plastic drain pipe, shower curtains, some water bottles
    4 LDPE - Low density polyethylene Plastic garbage and other bags, garment bags, snap-on lids such as coffee can lids
    5 PP - Polypropylene Many translucent (or opaque) plastic containers; containers for some products such as yogurt, soft butter, or margarine; aerosol can tops; rigid bottle caps; candy wrappers; bottoms of bottles
    6 PS - Polystyrene Hard clear plastic cups, foam cups, eating utensils, deli food containers, toy model kits, some packing popcorn
    7 Other Polycarbonate is a common type, Biodegradable, Some packing popcorn

    Contributors

    • Charles Ophardt, Professor Emeritus, Elmhurst College; Virtual Chembook


    10.7: Polymers is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

    • Was this article helpful?