Synthetic Polymers

Let's just begin with a question.What is polymers?

Polymers are long-chain molecules formed bu joining together thousands of monomers(small repeating units). A polymer is molecule is synthesis in a process call polymerisation by joining together the monomers molecules. Besides synthetic polymers, natural polymers are exists and found in living things. For example, protein, DNA, cellulose, starch and natural rubber.
Well, this post are going to concentrate on synthetic polymers which is so called man-made polymers. They include plastics such as polyethylene and fibres such as nylons.

For example plastics are the largest group of synthetic polymers which have the important property of being easily formed. The raw materials to make plastics came from the products of cracking of petroleum fractions. The monomers of making plastics polymers is alkenes, they are formed by addition reaction. Polythene , polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , polypropene and perpex are the example of plastics.

Polythene also known as polyethene.

The monomers for is ethene.


The polymerisation process produces polyethene.

Polypropene


and its monomers propene


Both of this polymers are used o make plastic bags,pipes, containers moulded objects and toys.

Polythene , polyvinyl chloride (PVC)


the monomer, chloroethene.

The reaction to form polychloroethene is shown below.


PVC is normally used to make pipes, wire and cables,records and apparels such as footwear and rain coats.



Perspex

The monomer is Methyl 2-methylpropenoate.

Polymerising this monomer will produce the polymer methyl2-methypropenate. It is used to replace glass, fibre optics and illuminated signs.

Besides plastics , there are two important groups of fibres polyamide which is nylon and polyester which is terylene. Both nylon and terylene are produced by condensation polymerisation.

Nylon


Nylon is used to make textile fibres, threads, ropes, toothbrushes and electrical insulators.

Terylene.
A condesation reaction will join thousands of diacids and diols together to produce polyester.

Terylene is used to make textile fibres, parachutes, stockings, fishing nets and tapes.

Synthetic polymers are usually cheaper than natural materials and it can be tailor-made by chemists to suit certain specifications.Synthetic polymers vary widely in physical such as strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical attacks and softening temperature.
For the last fifty years or so, the development of synthetic polymers has led to a great change in the world where we live. Many materials of great usefulness are developed. The manufacture and use of synthetic polymers have increase rapidly over the years. And they are steadily replacing traditional natural materials. Plastic chairs and tables are replacing wooden ones; PVC is replacing leather in sofas; nylons and terylene is replacing natural wool and cotton.