Polymers

AUSTRIA, JULIET ELAINE BLANCO, MICHAEL RoY

SOMODIO, NOVILYN N.
POLYMERS

–Polymers form a very important class

of materials, without this, life seems
very difficult.
–They are all around us in everyday
use; in rubber, in plastic, in resins,
and in adhesives and adhesive tapes.
–The word polymer is derived from Greek
words, poly= many and mers= parts or
units of high molecular mass each molecule
of which consist of a very large number of
single structural units joined together in a
regular manner.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF
POLYMERS
– Polymers have existed in natural form since life began and
those such as DNA, RNA, proteins and polysaccharides play
crucial roles in plant and animal life. From the earliest times,
man has exploited naturally-occurring polymers as materials
for providing clothing, decoration, shelter, tools, weapons,
writing materials and other requirements.
–the origin of today’s polymer industry is
commonly accepted as being the
nineteenth century when important
discoveries were made concerning the
modification of certain natural polymers.
Thomas Hancock
–In eighteenth century, he gave an
idea of modification of natural
rubber through blending with certain
additives.
Charles Goodyear
improved the properties of natural
rubber through vulcanization process
with sulfur.
–Bakelite was the first synthetic
polymer produced in 1909 and was
soon followed by the synthetic fiber,
rayon, which was developed in 1911
CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS
–Polymer is a generic name given to
a vast number of materials of high
molecular weight.
Origin
–On the basis of their occurrence in
nature, polymers have been
classified in three types
 A. Natural polymer
–The polymers, which occur in nature are
called natural polymer also known as
biopolymers. Examples of such polymers
are natural rubber, natural silk, cellulose,
starch, proteins,
Natural Rubber

Natural Silk
 B. Semi synthetic polymer
–They are the chemically modified
natural polymers such as hydrogenated,
natural rubber, cellulosic, cellulose
nitrate, methyl cellulose,
 C. Synthetic polymer
–polymer which has been synthesized in the
laboratory.
–also known as manmade polymers
–Examples of such polymers are polyvinyl alcohol,
polyethylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, etc..
 Thermal Response

–On the basis of thermal response,

polymers can be classified into two
groups
 A. Thermoplastic polymers
–can be softened or plasticized repeatedly on
application of thermal energy, without much change
in properties if treated with certain precautions.
–Examples: Polyolefin, nylons, linear polyesters and
polyether, PVC, sealing wax
 B. Thermosetting polymers
–polymers undergo certain chemical
changes on heating and convert
themselves into an infusible mass.
–Examples: Phenolic, resins, urea, epoxy
resins, diene rubbers
Mode of Formation

–On the basis of mode of

formation, polymers can be
classified as two
 A. Addition polymers
–formed from olefinic, diolefnic, vinyl and related
monomers.
–formed from simple addition of monomer
molecules to each other in a quick succession by a
chain mechanism.
–Examples : polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene.
 B. Condensation Polymers
–Formed from intermolecular reactions
between bifunctional or polyfunctional
monomer molecules having reactive
functional groups such as –OH, -COOH, -
NH2, -NCO
Line Structure
A. Linear Polymers
–Monomer which are joined in a linear fashion.
B. Branched Polymers
–Monomer units are joined in a branched
manner
C. Cross Linked Polymer
–Monomer units is joined together in
a chain fashion
Application and Physical Properties

–Depending on its use a polymer can

be classified into three.
 A. Rubber (Elastomers)
High molecular weight polymer with long flexible
chains and weak intermolecular forces
300-3000 psi – exhibits tensile strength range
300-1000% elongation and break range
Examples: natural and synthetic rubber
 B. Plastics
–Relatively tough substance w/ high molecular
weight that can be molded w/ (or w/o) the
application of heat, stronger than rubber
–4000-15000psi exhibits tensile strength range
20-200% or even higher elongation
at break range
Examples: polyethylene,
polypropylene, PVC, polystyrene.
 C. Fibers
Long – chain polymers characterized by
highly crystalline regions resulting mainly
from secondary force.
Much lower elasticity than plastic and
rubbers.
–20,000-100,000 psi tensile strength
range
–Light weight and possess moisture
absorption properties
Polymer Type Applications

Epoxy resins Solid resin and Terrazzo flooring, Anchor fixings, Adhesives

Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) Solar panel encapsulants

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) Concrete moulds, Insulation, Packaging

Polycarbonate Lighting housings, Fittings in hot water systems, Glazing

Polyester (thermosetting) FRP Bridge sections, Cladding Panels, Sinks, Surfaces, Coatings

Polyethylene Foam underlay, Damp-proof membranes, Coatings

Polyisobutylene (PIB) Glazing sealants, Waterproof membranes

Polymethylmethacrylate / Acyrlic (PMMA) Surfaces, Sinks

Polypropylene (PP) Sound insulation, Water pipes, Waste pipes

Polyurethane (PU) Sealants, Concrete jointing

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Sealants, Concrete jointing

Rubber Bridge bearings, Flooring

Polymer materials account for the highest
growth area in construction materials.
In basic terms, polymers are very long
molecules typically made up of many
thousands of repeat units.
Confidence in the performance and properties of
construction materials has always been
important and may be of particular interest for
polymers, which are relatively new compared to
traditional material types that have been in use
for hundreds or thousands of years.
Polyolefins are the largest group of
thermoplastics, often referred to as
commodity thermoplastics.
Polyolefins are the largest group of
thermoplastics, the two most important and
common types of polyolefins are polyethylene
and polypropylene.
Polystyrene blocks are used in construction
as permanent insulation in buildings. The
blocks are energy efficient and ensure
optimal insulation not only for walls of
buildings, but also the roofs and even
floors.
The polystyrene blocks are stacked and then the forms are filled
with concrete.
A specific method is used for the filling of the polystyrene blocks to
prevent overflow or too much expansion.
With the interlocking polystyrene block system an exceptionally
strong, yet, well insulated building can be constructed faster than
is possible with the normal brick and mortar method.
Construction with polystyrene blocks as shells filled with concrete holds several benefits including:
– Extremely strong structure.
– Completed buildings are energy efficient as less heat escapes.
– Ensures lower sound emission from activities in a building.
– Fire safe materials ensure safer buildings.
– Environmentally friendly and clean method of construction.
– Show high wind resistance.
– Mould and insect infestations are eliminated.
– Recycled materials can be used to minimize the environmental footprint.
– Cheaper building method makes it a suitable alternative to normal brick buildings.
– Minimizes the risk of leakages.
– Long lifespan.
– The foam structures can be recycled.
– Improved comfort with minimal air leakage.
– Increases the sales value of a home or building.
– No rotting because of damp weather.
– Significant building management savings in terms of heat, airflow, and fire safety.
polyethylene
 Polysteren

Polyolefin
Polysulfone
 x

Nylon
Sealing Wax
Polyester
 Resin
Phenolic

Urea
Diene Rubber
 polypropylene

Polyether