Polymers are large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units. These subunits are typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.
Naturally occurring polymers
few examples of naturally occurring polymers are as follows :
- cellulose
- starch
- protein
- wool
- silk
- natural rubber
Name(s) | Formula | Monomer | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene low density (LDPE) | –(CH2-CH2)n– | ethylene CH2=CH2 | soft, waxy solid | film wrap, plastic bags |
| Polyethylene high density (HDPE) | –(CH2-CH2)n– | ethylene CH2=CH2 | rigid, translucent solid | electrical insulation bottles, toys |
| Polypropylene (PP) different grades | –[CH2-CH(CH3)]n– | propylene CH2=CHCH3 | atactic: soft, elastic solid isotactic: hard, strong solid | similar to LDPE carpet, upholstery |
| Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) | –(CH2-CHCl)n– | vinyl chloride CH2=CHCl | strong rigid solid | pipes, siding, flooring |
| Poly(vinylidene chloride) (Saran A) | –(CH2-CCl2)n– | vinylidene chloride CH2=CCl2 | dense, high-melting solid | seat covers, films |
| Polystyrene (PS) | –[CH2-CH(C6H5)]n– | styrene CH2=CHC6H5 | hard, rigid, clear solid soluble in organic solvents | toys, cabinets packaging (foamed) |
| Polyacrylonitrile (PAN, Orlon, Acrilan) | –(CH2-CHCN)n– | acrylonitrile CH2=CHCN | high-melting solid soluble in organic solvents | rugs, blankets clothing |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) | –(CF2-CF2)n– | tetrafluoroethylene CF2=CF2 | resistant, smooth solid | non-stick surfaces electrical insulation |
| Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, Lucite, Plexiglas) | –[CH2-C(CH3)CO2CH3]n– | methyl methacrylate CH2=C(CH3)CO2CH3 | hard, transparent solid | lighting covers, signs skylights |
| Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) | –(CH2-CHOCOCH3)n– | vinyl acetate CH2=CHOCOCH3 | soft, sticky solid | latex paints, adhesives |
| cis-Polyisoprene natural rubber | –[CH2-CH=C(CH3)-CH2]n– | isoprene CH2=CH-C(CH3)=CH2 | soft, sticky solid | requires vulcanization for practical use |
| Polychloroprene (cis + trans) (Neoprene) | –[CH2-CH=CCl-CH2]n– | chloroprene CH2=CH-CCl=CH2 | tough, rubbery solid | synthetic rubber oil resistant |
Properties of synthetic polymers and methods to overcome the pollution cause by it
Synthetic polymers are very stable and do not corrode. Unfortunately, this also means that it is arduous to dispose. Due to their non biodegradable properties , they may cause pollution, blockage of drainage systems and flash floods. When synthetic polymers are burn, they lug out harmful and poisonous gases and also pungent smell to the air.
Methods to overcome the pollution is simple. All of us, as a continuous consumers should act in a civil way of disposing the synthetic polymers. We should reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible and we should also find alternative to synthetic polymers. Other than that, the usage of biodegradable synthetic polymers must be encourage and expose to the society.
I just love seeing the advances that science can make. Recently I have been reading up on the pretty impressive thing synethics like PEGylated Polymers / can make and what they can do.
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