IUPAC definition
List of synthetic polymersFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Synthetic polymers are human-made polymers. From the utility point of view they can be classified into fourmain categories: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and synthetic fibers. They are found commonly in avariety of consumer products such as money, super glue, etc.
A wide variety of synthetic polymers are available with variations in main chain as well as side chains. Theback bones of common synthetic polymers such as polythene and polystyrene, poly acrylates are made up ofcarbon-carbon bonds, whereas hetero chain polymers such as polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanespolysulfides and polycarbonates have other elements (e.g. oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen) inserted along thebackbone. Also silicon form familiar materials such as silicones through siloxane linkages, which does not haveany carbon atoms and is said to be an inorganic polymer. Coordination polymers may contain a range of metalsin the backbone, with non-covalent bonding present.
Some familiar house-hold synthetic polymers include Nylons in textiles and fabrics, Teflon in non-stick pans,Bakelite for electrical switches, polyvinyl chloride in pipes, etc. The common PET bottles are made of asynthetic polymer, polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic kits and covers are mostly made of synthetic
polymers like polythene and tires are manufactured from Buna rubbers.[1] However, due to the environmentalissues created by these synthetic polymers which are mostly non-biodegradable and often synthesized frompetroleum, alternatives like bioplastics are also being considered. But they are expensive when compared to the
synthetic polymers.[2]
Contents
1 Inorganic polymers
2 Organic polymers
3 Brand names
4 See also
5 References
Inorganic polymers
Polysiloxane
Polyphosphazene
Organic polymers
The seven most common types of synthetic organic polymers, which are commonly found in households are:
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE),
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE),
Artificial polymer: Man-made polymer that is not a biopolymer.
Note 1: Artificial polymer should also be used in the case of chemicallymodified biopolymers.
Note 2: Biochemists are now capable of synthesizing copies of biopolymersthat should be named synthetic biopolymers to make a distinctionwith true biopolymers.
Note 3: Genetic engineering is now capable of generating non-natural analoguesof biopolymers that should be referred to as artificial biopolymers, e.g.,
artificial protein, artificial polynucleotide, etc.[3]
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Polypropylene (PP)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polystyrene (PS)
Nylon, nylon 6, nylon 6,6
Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU)
List of some addition polymers and their uses
Polymer Abbreviation Properties Uses
Low Density Polyethylene LDPEChemically inert, flexible,insulator
Squeeze bottles, toys, flexible pipes,insulation cover (electric wires), sixpack rings, etc.
High Density Polyethylene HDPEInert, thermally stable, toughand high tensile strength
Bottles, pipes, inner insulation ofcoax cable, plastic bags, etc.
Polypropylene PPResistant to acids andalkalies, High tensilestrength
Auto parts, industrial fibers, foodcontainers, liner in bags, dishwareand as a wrapping material fortextiles and food
Polystyrene (thermocole) PS
Thermal insulator. Propertiesdepends on the form,expanded form is tough andrigid
Petri dishes, CD case, plasticcutlery
Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFEVery low coefficient offriction, excellent dielectricproperties, chemically inert
Low friction bearings, non-stickpans, coating against chemicalattack etc.
Polyvinylchloride PVC Insulator
Pipe, fencing, lawn chairs,hand-bags, curtain clothes,non-food bottles, raincoats, toys,vinyl flooring etc.
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFEStable to heat and thermalattacks, high tensile strengthand non wetting
valves, seals, gaskets etc.
Brand names
These polymers are often better known through their brand names, for instance:
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BrandName
PolymerCharacteristic
propertiesUses
BakelitePhenol-formaldehyderesin
High electric, heat andchemical resistance
Insulation of wires, manufacturing sockets,electrical devices, brake pads, etc.
Kevlar Para-aramid fibre High tensile strengthManufacturing armour, sports and musicalequipment. Used in the field of cryogenics
Twaron Para-aramidHeat resistant and strongfibre
Bullet-proof body armor, helmets, brakepads, ropes, cables and optical fibre cables,etc. and as an asbestos substitute
MylarPolyethyleneterephthalate film
High strength andstiffness, less permeableto gases, almost reflectslight completely
Food packaging, transparent covering overpaper, reflector for rollsigns and solarcooking stoves
Neoprene Polychloroprene Chemically inertManufacturing gaskets, corrosion resistantcoatings, waterproof seat covers, substitutefor corks and latex
Nylon PolyamideSilky, thermoplastic andresistant to biological andchemical agents
Stockings, fabrics, toothbrushes. Moldednylon is used in making machine screws,gears etc.
Nomex Meta-aramid polymer
Excellent thermal,chemical, and radiationresistance, rigid, durableand fireproof.
Hood of firefighter's mask, electricallamination of circuit boards and transformercores and in Thermal MicrometeoroidGarment
Orlon Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)Wool-like, resistant tochemicals, oils, moths andsunlight
Used for making clothes and fabrics likesweaters, hats, yarns, rugs, etc., and as aprecursor of carbon fibres
Rilsan Polyamide 11 & 12 Bioplastic
Used in high-performance applications suchas sports shoes, electronic devicecomponents, automotive fuel lines,pneumatic airbrake tubing, oil and gasflexible pipes and control fluid umbilicals,and catheters.
Technora Copolyamid
High tensile strength,resistance to corrosion,heat, chemicals andsaltwater
Used for manufacturing optical fiber cables,umbilical cables, drumheads, automotiveindustry, ropes, wire ropes and cables
TeflonPolytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)
Very low coefficient offriction, excellentdielectric properties, highmelting, chemically inert
Plain bearings, gears, non-stick pans, etc.due to its low friction. Used as a tubing forhighly corrosive chemicals.
Ultem PolyimideHeat,flame and solventresistant. Has highdielectric strength
Used in medical and chemicalinstrumentation, also in guitar picks
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Vectran aromatic polyester
High thermal andchemical stability. Goldencolor. Has high strength,low creep, and is moistureresistant
Used as reinforcing fibres for ropes, cables,sailcloth. Also used in manufacturingbadminton strings, bike tires and inelectronics applications. Is the keycomponent of a line of inflatable spacecraftdeveloped by Bigelow Aerospace
VitonPolytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)
ElastomerDepends on the grade of the polymer. VitonB is used in chemical process plants andgaskets.
Zylonpoly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole(PBO)
Very high tensile strengthand thermal stability
Used in tennis racquets, table tennis blades,body armor, etc.
See also
Polymerization
Radical polymerization
RAFT (chemistry)
References
^ Andrew J. Peacock; Allison R. Calhoun (30 June 2006). Polymer Chemistry: Properties and Applications
(http://books.google.com/books?id=FPrfQJuDE3YC&pg=PA1). Hanser Verlag. pp. 1–. ISBN 978-1-56990-397-1.
Retrieved 15 July 2012.
1.
^ Srikanth Pilla (15 September 2011). Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications
(http://books.google.com/books?id=UX-9Z5jx-IsC). John Wiley & Sons. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-118-17704-4. Retrieved
15 July 2012.
2.
^ "Glossary of Basic Terms in Polymer Science". Pure and Applied Chemistry 68 (12): 2287–2301. 1996.
doi:10.1351/goldbook.A00250 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1351%2Fgoldbook.A00250).
3.
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