Synthesis of Polymers
Synthesis of Polymers
Synthesis of Polymers
Angulo, A.P.
Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
alyannaangulo@gmail.com
March 12, 2015
March 19, 2015
Abstract
Polymers are used in the industry for its properties such as conductivity, insulation,
strength and others. As such, though they occur naturally they are also produced
synthetically and their properties are manipulated by the condition they were made
in. This experiment aimed to create polymers of different topologies with the
manipulation of types of reactant, pH conditions, and temperature. Linear and
cross-linked polymers were synthesized via condensation polymerization and were
observed and identified.
I.
Introduction
1.
Basic
Topology
of
Methodology
Synthesis of Bakelite
A test tube was used in which
2.50 g of resorcinol was placed
together with 1.00 mL 3.00 M NaOH,
and 5.00 mL formalin then mixed
thoroughly. The test tube was then
placed in a 45-50C water bath until
all
crystals
dissolved.
The
temperature was then raised to 55C
and the test tube was kept there for
10 minutes. After which the heat
was turned f and the solution was
cooled slowly to room temperature.
The test tube was broken to extract
the synthesized polymer.
In a small beaker, 20 mL of
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was placed
with 2-3 drops of methyl red. The
solution was then mixed with 5 mL
4% sodium borate. Excess liquid was
removed from the formed gel. To a
portion of the gel, 2M HCL was
added dropwise and mixed well until
the indicator turned pink. It was then
mixed with 3.00 M NaOH until the
gel reformed.
III.
Synthesis of Bakelite
The synthesis of Bakelite used
the phenol, resorcinol. Upon addition
of
formaldehyde,
resorcinol
underwent
slow
polymerization
which was quickened with the use of
a base catalyst, NaOH.
Figure
2.
Formaldehyde Reaction
Resorcinol-
dissolution
without
chemical degradation.
complete
Figure
4.
Condensation
Polymerization of Phthalic Anhydride
with Glycerol
A stirring rod was used to draw a
fiber from the mouth of the test tube
and the result was a thread-like
transparent string that shows the
success of the synthesis.
Test tube 1 produced a linear
product while test tube 2 produced a
cross-linked
product
as
characterized by their respective
ability to be reshaped upon heating.
This is due to the difference in the
number of hydroxyl groups present.
Glycerol, having three OH groups,
produces a more rigid structure
called the thermoset.
Figure
3.
Condensation
Polymerization
of
Phthalic
Anhydride with a Diol.
IV.
[4]Baekeland,
L.H.
The
Synthesis,
Constitution, and Uses of Bakelite. ACS
Publications.
March
18,
2015.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie50003
a004
Conclusion
Polymers formations are
affected by the acidity and
temperatures of the environment
they were in during synthesis.
The number of hydroxyl groups
also affect the topography of the
polymers created which affect
the properties of the polymer
such as hardness, ability to
reshape,
brittleness,
and
conductivity.
The
methods
of
the
experiment were effective and
produced the desired effects. The
goals of the experiment were
obtained.
V.
References