IUPAC definition

List of synthetic polymers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Synthetic polymers are human-made polymers. From the utility point of view they can be classified into four
main categories: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and synthetic fibers. They are found commonly in a
variety 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. The
back bones of common synthetic polymers such as polythene and polystyrene, poly acrylates are made up of
carbon-carbon bonds, whereas hetero chain polymers such as polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes
polysulfides and polycarbonates have other elements (e.g. oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen) inserted along the
backbone. Also silicon form familiar materials such as silicones through siloxane linkages, which does not have
any carbon atoms and is said to be an inorganic polymer. Coordination polymers may contain a range of metals
in 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 a
synthetic 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 environmental
issues created by these synthetic polymers which are mostly non-biodegradable and often synthesized from
petroleum, 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 chemically
modified biopolymers.
Note 2: Biochemists are now capable of synthesizing copies of biopolymers
that should be named synthetic biopolymers to make a distinction
with true biopolymers.
Note 3: Genetic engineering is now capable of generating non-natural analogues
of 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 LDPE
Chemically inert, flexible,
insulator
Squeeze bottles, toys, flexible pipes,
insulation cover (electric wires), six
pack rings, etc.
High Density Polyethylene HDPE
Inert, thermally stable, tough
and high tensile strength
Bottles, pipes, inner insulation of
coax cable, plastic bags, etc.
Polypropylene PP
Resistant to acids and
alkalies, High tensile
strength
Auto parts, industrial fibers, food
containers, liner in bags, dishware
and as a wrapping material for
textiles and food
Polystyrene (thermocole) PS
Thermal insulator. Properties
depends on the form,
expanded form is tough and
rigid
Petri dishes, CD case, plastic
cutlery
Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE
Very low coefficient of
friction, excellent dielectric
properties, chemically inert
Low friction bearings, non-stick
pans, coating against chemical
attack etc.
Polyvinylchloride PVC Insulator
Pipe, fencing, lawn chairs,
hand-bags, curtain clothes,
non-food bottles, raincoats, toys,
vinyl flooring etc.
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE
Stable to heat and thermal
attacks, high tensile strength
and non wetting
valves, seals, gaskets etc.
Brand names
These polymers are often better known through their brand names, for instance:
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Brand
Name
Polymer
Characteristic
properties
Uses
Bakelite
Phenol-formaldehyde
resin
High electric, heat and
chemical resistance
Insulation of wires, manufacturing sockets,
electrical devices, brake pads, etc.
Kevlar Para-aramid fibre High tensile strength
Manufacturing armour, sports and musical
equipment. Used in the field of cryogenics
Twaron Para-aramid
Heat resistant and strong
fibre
Bullet-proof body armor, helmets, brake
pads, ropes, cables and optical fibre cables,
etc. and as an asbestos substitute
Mylar
Polyethylene
terephthalate film
High strength and
stiffness, less permeable
to gases, almost reflects
light completely
Food packaging, transparent covering over
paper, reflector for rollsigns and solar
cooking stoves
Neoprene Polychloroprene Chemically inert
Manufacturing gaskets, corrosion resistant
coatings, waterproof seat covers, substitute
for corks and latex
Nylon Polyamide
Silky, thermoplastic and
resistant to biological and
chemical agents
Stockings, fabrics, toothbrushes. Molded
nylon is used in making machine screws,
gears etc.
Nomex Meta-aramid polymer
Excellent thermal,
chemical, and radiation
resistance, rigid, durable
and fireproof.
Hood of firefighter's mask, electrical
lamination of circuit boards and transformer
cores and in Thermal Micrometeoroid
Garment
Orlon Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)
Wool-like, resistant to
chemicals, oils, moths and
sunlight
Used for making clothes and fabrics like
sweaters, hats, yarns, rugs, etc., and as a
precursor of carbon fibres
Rilsan Polyamide 11 & 12 Bioplastic
Used in high-performance applications such
as sports shoes, electronic device
components, automotive fuel lines,
pneumatic airbrake tubing, oil and gas
flexible pipes and control fluid umbilicals,
and catheters.
Technora Copolyamid
High tensile strength,
resistance to corrosion,
heat, chemicals and
saltwater
Used for manufacturing optical fiber cables,
umbilical cables, drumheads, automotive
industry, ropes, wire ropes and cables
Teflon
Polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE)
Very low coefficient of
friction, excellent
dielectric properties, high
melting, chemically inert
Plain bearings, gears, non-stick pans, etc.
due to its low friction. Used as a tubing for
highly corrosive chemicals.
Ultem Polyimide
Heat,flame and solvent
resistant. Has high
dielectric strength
Used in medical and chemical
instrumentation, also in guitar picks
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Vectran aromatic polyester
High thermal and
chemical stability. Golden
color. Has high strength,
low creep, and is moisture
resistant
Used as reinforcing fibres for ropes, cables,
sailcloth. Also used in manufacturing
badminton strings, bike tires and in
electronics applications. Is the key
component of a line of inflatable spacecraft
developed by Bigelow Aerospace
Viton
Polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE)
Elastomer
Depends on the grade of the polymer. Viton
B is used in chemical process plants and
gaskets.
Zylon
poly-p-phenylene-
2,6-benzobisoxazole
(PBO)
Very high tensile strength
and 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): 22872301. 1996.
doi:10.1351/goldbook.A00250 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1351%2Fgoldbook.A00250).
3.
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