Polymers z Polymers What are they z Different

Polymers z. Polymers: What are they? z. Different Types z. Uses and Applications z. Chemical Make-up

Polymers - What are they? z. Polymers are a special kind of macromolecule z. The word polymer comes from the Greek words “poly, ” meaning “many”, and “meres, ” meaning “parts” or “repeating units” z. A Polymer consists of a large chain of repeating molecules (monomers) that are attached in an end to end fashion

Description of Polymers z. Imagine a string of beads y. Each bead is identical (for example, red sphere) • Represents the “mer” y. The string can contain 100’s of beads • Represents the “poly” characteristic y. The string in between the beads represents the chemical bond between monomers

Length of Polymers z. Polymer chains are HUGE! z. Polymers typically consist of between 20, 000 and 40, 000 individual monomers y. If each bead on the string of beads were one inch apart, one polymer molecule could be as long as 10 football fields!!! z. This chain length is what gives the polymer most of its desirable characteristics

Description of Polymers z. Polymer chains are flexible, and usually “clump” together into a smaller shape z. This enables the individual chains to interact and become entangled z. This helps to give a polymer its strength and flexibility

Types of Polymers z. There are two main types of polymers y. Natural • (cotton, silk, wood, leather…) y. Synthetic • (plastics, nylon, latex…)

Synthetic Polymers z. There are two basic types of synthetic polymers y. Thermoplastics (plastics, Styrofoam) • These can be softened by heating and hardened by cooling - easily recycled • Can easily be cast into various shapes y. Thermosets (epoxy’s, adhesives) • These harden after being heated • Can easily be cast into different shapes • Cannot be reformed

Types of Polymers Copolymers z. Most polymer chains are made up of one type of monomer (for example, red beads) z. However, some polymers are made up of different types of monomers (for example, blue and red beads) - these are called copolymers

Copolymers z. There are four main types of copolymers z. The different monomers can be arranged either in an alternating or random fashion y. Alternating. . . -red-blue-red-blue-red-… y. Random …-blue-red-blue-red-blue-…

Copolymers z. There also block copolymers and graft co-polymers y. Block …-R-R-R-B-B-B-R-R-R-… y. Graft …-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-… | B-B-B-B-B-…

Polymers - Pros and Cons z. A polymer has many very advantageous properties. Polymers are: y. Lightweight y. Strong and durable y. Cheap y. Easy to manufacture z. Unfortunately, polymers do not easily biodegrade and end up producing large amounts of waste

Uses of Polymers z. Polymers are incorporated into nearly every aspect of daily life y. Entertainment y. Sports y. Clothes y. Hobbies/Toys y. Household products y. Automotive

Polymer Chemistry z. A polymer chain is built on a Carbon backbone z. A monomer unit consists of a small carbon chain attached to a specific type of functional group z. The functional group is what gives each polymer chain its individual characteristics

Polymer Chemistry z. As previously stated, polymer chains interact with one another, becoming entangled z. Polymer chains also form cross-links with adjacent chains, which allows the polymer to hold its shape and gives added strength

Summary z. Polymers are made up of large chains of repeating units, called monomers z. Individual chains interact to form a stronger overall substance through entanglements and cross-links z. Polymers are incorporated into almost every aspect of daily life z. Polymers are lightweight, strong, and inexpensive