Classification of Polymers Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What are the classifications of polymers?

  • Natural
  • Semi-synthetic
  • Man-made (synthetic)
  • All of the above (correct)
  • What are natural polymers commonly found in?

    Plants and animals

    Name two examples of natural polymers.

    Proteins and cellulose

    What is cellulose composed of?

    <p>Sugar molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are semi-synthetic polymers?

    <p>Natural polymers that have been chemically modified</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are man-made (synthetic) polymers?

    <p>Polymers produced in a laboratory or factories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are three parameters for the classification of polymers?

    <p>Chemical structures, polymeric structures, and tacticity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two types of chemical structures in polymers?

    <p>Homopolymers and co-polymers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between homopolymers and co-polymers?

    <p>Homopolymers are formed by one type of monomer; co-polymers by two types.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List the three types of polymers based on polymeric structures.

    <p>Linear, branched, and cross-linked</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe linear polymers.

    <p>They have long and straight chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes branched polymers?

    <p>They have branches off the main chain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines cross-linked polymers?

    <p>They have strong bonds linking polymer chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does tacticity refer to in polymers?

    <p>The stereochemistry of the arrangement of atoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three types of tacticity?

    <p>Isotactic, syndiotactic, atactic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the backbone of polymers consist of?

    <p>Hydrocarbons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are thermoplastics?

    <p>Polymers that soften when heated and harden when cooled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do thermoset materials behave when heated?

    <p>They form cross-links and cannot be reshaped</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are elastomers?

    <p>Elastic polymers that can be stretched</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Classification of Polymers

    • Polymers fall into three main categories: Natural, Semi-synthetic, and Man-made (synthetic).

    Natural Polymers

    • Naturally occurring polymers found in plants and animals often consist of a single type of monomer.

    Examples of Natural Polymers

    • Proteins: Present in both plants and animals.
    • Cellulose: A polysaccharide derived from plants composed of sugar monomers.
    • Natural rubber: Harvested from the latex of tropical plants.

    Semi-synthetic Polymers

    • Derived from natural polymers that have been chemically modified.

    Man-made (Synthetic) Polymers

    • Created in laboratories or industrial factories.
    • Examples include:
      • Nylon: Commonly used in clothing.
      • Teflon: Used for non-stick cooking utensils.
      • Epoxy resins: Utilized as binders in countertops and floor coatings.

    Classification Parameters

    • Polymers can be classified based on:
      • Chemical Structures
      • Polymeric Structures
      • Tacticity
      • Thermal behavior
      • Molecular forces
      • Methods of synthesis

    Chemical Structures

    • Two types:
      • Homopolymers: Consist of identical monomers (e.g., A-A-A).
      • Co-polymers: Combination of two different monomers (e.g., A-B-A-B).

    Comparison of Homopolymers and Co-polymers

    • Homopolymers: Formed through addition polymerization, exhibit simple structures, and include examples such as PVC and polyethylene.
    • Co-polymers: Formed via condensation polymerization, tend to have complex structures, and include examples like polyvinyl acetate and butadiene rubber.

    Polymeric Structures

    • Three types:
      • Linear: Long, straight chains providing density and high melting points.
      • Branched: Feature branches off a linear chain, resulting in lower density and melting points.
      • Cross-linked: Chains are chemically bonded, producing strong, stable materials that are difficult to recycle.

    Tacticity

    • Refers to the stereochemistry of polymer arrangements.
    • Three types:
      • Isotactic: Substituents on the same side of the polymer backbone.
      • Syndiotactic: Substituents in alternating positions.
      • Atactic (heterotactic): Substituents randomly positioned along the backbone.

    Polymer Backbones

    • Composed primarily of hydrocarbons.

    Thermoplastics

    • Characterized by linear or branched structures held by intermolecular forces (Van der Waals).
    • They soften when heated and can be reshaped upon cooling.
    • Example: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), used in toys and safety gear.

    Thermosets

    • Form cross-linked structures upon heating, creating irreversible reactions.
    • Retain strength and structure at high temperatures.
    • Example: Bakelite, used in electrical outlets and kitchenware.

    Elastomers

    • Known as "elastic polymers," these can stretch and return to their original shape due to long chain polymers with weak intermolecular forces.

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    Description

    Explore the classification of polymers through these flashcards. Learn about the different categories such as natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers, along with examples found in nature. This is a useful resource for students studying materials science or chemistry.

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