Lecture 8 Polymer

3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Synthesis: It is obtained by heating a water emulsion of vinyl chloride in the presence of a small
amount of benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in an autoclave under pressure.
Vinyl chloride so needed is generally prepared by treating acetylene at 1–1.5 atmospheres with hydrogen
chloride at 60–80°C, in the presence of metal chloride as catalyst.
Properties:
PVC is colourless, odourless, non-inflammable and chemically inert powder, resistant to light, atmospheric
oxygen, inorganic acids and alkalis but soluble in hot chlorinated hydrocarbons such as ethyl chloride. Pure
resin possesses high softening point and a greater stiffness and rigidity, but is brittle.
Uses:
The uses of PVC are as follows:
 Rigid PVC or unplasticised PVC is used for making sheets, which are employed for tank linings, light
fittings, safety helmets, refrigerator components, tyres, cycles and motor-cycle mudguards.
 Plasticised PVC is used for making continuous sheets, rain coats, table cloths and curtains, electric
cables, toys, radio components, conveyor belts, etc.
4) Nylon (polyamides)
Nylon is formed with dicarboxylic acids and diamine under condensation process. It has been named on
the basis of number of carbon atoms present in that two monomer units. For example, nylon 6,6, nylon
6,10, nylon 6,11, etc.
Nylon 6 is made from one monomer (caprolactam) which has 6 carbon atoms whilst Nylon
6,6 is made from 2 monomers (adipic acid & hexamethylene diamine) with each one
having 6 carbon atoms, hence the Nylon 6,6 named.
Nylon 6
Synthesis: Nylon 6 or polycaprolactam is a polymer, in particular semicrystalline polyamide. Unlike
most other nylons, nylon 6 is not a condensation polymer, but instead is formed by ring-opening
polymerization. Nylon 6 is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam. When caprolactam is
heated at about 533K in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen for about 4–5 hours, the ring breaks and undergoes
polymerization.
Caprolactam Polycaprolactam Or Nylon 6
Properties:
(i) Nylon 6 fibres are tough, possessing high tensile strength, elasticity and lustre.
(ii) They are wrinkleproof and highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals such as acids and alkalis.
(iii) The fibres can absorb up to 2.4% of water, although this lowers tensile strength.
(iv) The glass transition temperature of Nylon 6 is 47 °C.
(v) Nylon 6 is generally white but can be dyed in a solution bath prior to production for different color
results.
(vii) Its melting point is at 215 °C and can protect heat up to 150 °C on average.
Uses:
At present, polyamide 6 is a significant construction material used in many industries, for instance in
the automotive industry, aircraft industry, electronic and electrotechnical industry, clothing industry and
medicine. Annual demand for polyamides in Europe amounts to a million tonnes. They are produced by all
leading chemical companies.
Nylon 6,6
Synthesis: Nylon 6,6 is formed with the condensation reaction of hexamethylenediamine and adipic
acid.
Properties:
(i) They are translucent, whitish, horny and high melting polymers.
(ii) They possess stability up to high temperature and good abrasion resistance.
(iii) They are insoluble in common organic solvents and soluble in phenol and formic acid.
Uses:
(i) Nylon 6,6 is primarily used for fibres and tyre cord, which find use in making undergarments, dresses,
carpets, ropes, etc.
(ii) Nylon 6,6 and nylon 6,11 are mainly used for moulding purposes for gears, bearings, electrical
mountings, etc. Nylon bearings and gears work quietly without any lubrication.
(iii) They are also used for making filaments for ropes, bristles for tooth brushes, films, etc.
Properties of Nylon Fibres: The properties of nylon fibres are as follows:

(i) They are light, horny and high melting.
(ii) They are insoluble in common solvents.
(iii) They have good strength.
(iv) They absorb little moisture and are thus “drip-dry” in nature.
(v) They are very flexible and retain original shape easily.
(vi) They have resistances to abrasion.
(vii) On blending with wool, the strength and abrasion resistance of the latter increase.

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3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Caprolactam Polycaprolactam Or Nylon 6

(iv) The glass transition temperature of Nylon 6 is 47 °C.

Properties of Nylon Fibres: The properties of nylon fibres are as follows:

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