Functional Materials - Module 5

Functional Materials - Module 5

• Functional materials are classified based on heat response and electrical conductivity.
• Polymers like ABS and BAKELITE are included in the classification.
• Conducting polymers, like polyacetylene, and the effects of doping are also discussed.
• Nano materials, including their properties (surface area effect and quantum effect), are introduced.
• Top-down and bottom-up approaches for synthesis (e.g., ball mill and sol-gel) are compared. Specifically, these approaches are examined in the context of bulk versus nanoscale materials (e.g., gold).

Polymers

• Polymers are used in many everyday items, including grocery bags, soda bottles, textiles, phones, computers, and food packaging.
• Polymers are composed of many repeating units or mers, which are connected to form a large molecule.
• These large molecules are created by linking smaller molecules called monomers.
• For example, ethylene (monomer) produces polyethylene (polymer).

Classification of Polymers

• Polymers are classified in various ways, including by their polymerization type (addition or condensation).
• Some polymers are classified as homopolymers or copolymers, and others are classified based on their thermal effect. This categorization includes thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, and elastomers.
• Examples of thermoplastic polymers include PVC, Teflon, and ABS.
• Examples of thermosetting polymers include bakelite and polyester.

Properties of Polymers

• Polymers consist of repeating chains of molecules.
• Their properties depend on the type of molecules and how they are bonded.
• Different polymers exhibit various characteristics like strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.

Properties of Thermoplastics

• Thermoplastics can be softened and reshaped by heat; they can be used repeatedly.
• They are generally soluble in organic solvents; these polymers are recyclable.

Properties of Thermosetting Plastics

• Thermosetting plastics harden permanently after heating.
• They are commonly non-soluble in organic solvents

Difference Between Thermoplastics and Thermosets

• Thermoplastics soften when heated, while thermosets do not.
• Thermoplastics are easily recycled and reshaped, whereas thermosets are not.
• The bonding in thermosets is stronger than in thermoplastics.

Properties and Applications of Different Types of Polymers

• PVC, Teflon, and ABS are examples of thermoplastic polymers with specific applications.
• Bakelite and polyester are thermoset polymers used in different applications.

Teflon (PTFE)

• Teflon is made by polymerizing tetrafluoroethene.
• It's resistant to chemicals and has very low surface friction, making it useful as non-stick cookware and as a lubricant.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• ABS plastic is versatile and widely used for parts where durability and resistance to chemicals or impacts are important. It is also frequently used in manufacturing processes like 3D printing.

Conducting Polymers

• Certain polymers, particularly those with conjugated p-bond structures, exhibit good electrical conductivity.
• Their conductivity can be enhanced by doping with conductive materials.
• The use of conductive polymers is limited due to their lower mechanical strength.
• Combinations with other polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI) and polycaprolactum (PCL) can improve their properties.

Nanomaterials

• Nanomaterials are materials with at least one external dimension in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
• Nanoparticles have different properties from their bulk counterparts due to the surface area effect and quantum confinement effect.
• Different types of nanomaterials include carbon-based nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and polymeric nanomaterials.
• Nanomaterials can exhibit different optical, electrical, or magnetic properties.

Synthesis Approaches for Nanomaterials

• Top-down approaches start with larger materials and reduce them to nanoscale structures via methods like mechanical milling, etching, and laser ablation.
• Bottom-up synthesis involves assembling atoms or molecules to create nanostructures using methods like chemical vapour deposition and sol-gel processes.

Nanoparticle Characterization Methods

• Characterization techniques allow scientists to study and identify the composition, shape, and other details of nanoparticles. These are often valuable to understand how nanoparticles can be utilized in different processes.

Various Techniques in Materials Processing and Synthesis

• Mechanical milling, an example of a top-down approach, is a manufacturing technique for producing nano-scale materials by repeated impact events.
• Sol-gel is a chemical synthesis method. This process helps produce homogeneous, functional polymeric materials for numerous applications.

Applications of Nanomaterials

• Nanomaterials have diverse applications, including biomedical imaging, drug delivery, electronic devices, and catalysis.

Properties of Different Nanomaterials

• Different types of nanomaterials like quantum dots and nanoparticles of metal oxides or gold have specific properties which make them useful for particular applications. Their optical or electronic properties have unique characteristics, distinct from "bulk" materials.

Explore the classification of functional materials based on their heat response and electrical conductivity in this comprehensive quiz. Dive into the world of polymers, including everyday applications, and examine the synthesis approaches for nanoscale materials. Test your understanding of concepts like conducting polymers and their properties.