MODULE 2: POLYMER-L3

PRESENTED BY-M. SAIKIA

 STRUCTURE-PROPERTY AND APPLICATION:

1)Polyethylene:
✓ Polyethylene is a lightweight, durable
thermoplastic with variable crystalline structure.

✓ It is one of the most widely produced plastics in

the world.
STRUCTURE:

Polyethylene is made from the polymerization of ethylene

(or ethene) monomer. Polyethylene chemical formula is
(C2H4)n.

Molecular Structure of Polyethylene

Common Types of Polyethylene (PE):

PE belongs to polyolefin family of polymers and is classified

by its density and branching.

The most common types of polyethylene are:

Branched:
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)

Linear:
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE):

High Density Polyethylene is a cost-effective thermoplastic

with linear structure and no or low degree of branching.

It is manufactured at low temperature (70-300°C) and

pressure (10-80 bar) & derived from either:
Modifying natural gas (a methane, ethane, propane mix) or
The catalytic cracking of crude oil into gasoline

HDPE is produced majorly using two techniques: Slurry

Polymerization or Gas Phase Polymerization.
Properties of High Density Polyethylene

➢ Melting point: 120-140°C

➢ Density : 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3
➢ Chemical resistance:
Excellent resistance to most solvents
Very good resistance to alcohols, dilute acids and alkalis
Moderate resistance to oils and greases
➢ Poor resistance to hydrocarbons (aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated)
➢ Continuous temperature: -50°C to +60°C, relatively stiff material
with useful temperature capabilities
➢ Higher tensile strength compared to other forms of polyethylene
➢ Low cost polymer with good processability
➢ Good low temperature resistance
➢ Excellent electrical insulating properties
➢ Very low water absorption
Applications of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE):

Packaging Applications – High Density Polyethylene is used in

several packaging applications including crates, trays, bottles for
milk and fruit juices, caps for food packaging, jerry cans, drums,
industrial bulk containers etc. In such applications HDPE provides
the end product a reasonable impact strength.

Consumer Goods – Low cost and easy processability make HDPE a

material of choice in several household/ consumer goods like
garbage containers, housewares, ice boxes, toys etc.

Fibers and Textiles – Due to its high tensile strength, HDPE is

widely used in ropes, fishing and sport nets, nets for agricultural use,
Industrial and decorative fabrics, etc.
 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE):
Low density polyethylene is a semi-rigid and translucent
polymer. Compared to HDPE, it has a higher degree of short
and long side-chain branching. It is produced at high
pressure (1000-3000 bar; 80-300°C) via free radical
polymerization process.
Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene:

❖ LDPE Melting point: 105 to 115°C

❖ Density of LDPE: 0.910–0.940 g/cm3
❖ Chemical resistance of LDPE:
Good resistance to alcohols, dilute alkalis and acids
Limited resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons,
mineral oils, oxidizing agents and halogenated hydrocarbons
❖ Temperature resistance up to 80°C continuously and 95°C for
shorter times.
❖ Low cost polymer with good processability
❖ High impact strength at low temperature, good weatherability
❖ Excellent electrical insulating properties
❖ Very low water absorption
❖ FDA compliant
❖ Transparent in thin film form
 Applications of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE):

Packaging: Thanks to its low cost and good flexibility,

LDPE is used in packaging industry for pharmaceutical and
squeeze bottles, caps and closures, tamper evident, liners,
trash bags, films for food packaging, laminations etc.

Pipes and Fittings:Low-Density Polyethylene is used to

manufacture water pipes and hoses for the pipes and fittings
industry due to Its plasticity and low water absorption.

Other applications include consumer goods - housewares,

flexible toys, agricultural films, wiring & cables - sub-
conductor insulators, cable jacketing.
2. Polypropylene:
Polypropylene is a tough, rigid and crystalline thermoplastic produced
from propene (or propylene) monomer. It is a linear hydrocarbon
resin. The chemical formula of polypropylene is (C3H6)n. PP is among
the cheapest plastics available today.
Molecular Structure of Polypropylene:

Application:
Polypropylene has applications both as a plastic and a fiber in:

Automotive Industry
Industrial Applications
Consumer Goods, and
Furniture Market

It has the lowest density among commodity plastics.

Properties of Polypropylene:

Melting Point of Polypropylene - The melting point of

polypropylene occurs at a range.
Homopolymer: 160 - 165°C
Copolymer: 135 - 159°C

Density of Polypropylene - PP is one of the lightest

polymers among all commodity plastics. This feature
makes it a suitable option for lightweight\weight saving
applications.
Homopolymer: 0.904 – 0.908 g/cm3
Random Copolymer: 0.904 – 0.908 g/cm3
Impact Copolymer: 0.898 – 0.900 g/cm3
Polypropylene Chemical Resistance:
Excellent resistance to diluted and concentrated acids,
alcohols and bases
Good resistance to aldehydes, esters, aliphatic
hydrocarbons, ketones
Limited resistance to aromatic and halogenated
hydrocarbons and oxidizing agents

Flammability: Polypropylene is a highly flammable

material
PP retains mechanical & electrical properties at elevated
temperatures, in humid conditions and when submersed in
water. It is a water-repellent plastic

PP has good resistance to environmental stress cracking

It is sensitive to microbial attacks, such as bacteria and mold

It exhibits good resistance to steam sterilization.

3. Polystyrene:

Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene. It is a synthetic

aromatic hydrocarbon. It is hydrophobic in nature. Its
IUPAC name is poly(1-phenylethene-1,2-diyl). Its general
formula is (C₈H₈)n.

Structure of Polystyrene:
Use of Polystyrene

▪ used for making polystyrene products like polystyrene

sheets, polystyrene foam, brush handles, and combs.

▪ used for making talcum powder.

▪ used for making polystyrene plastic like small jars,

bottle caps, polystyrene cup, and storage container.

▪ used for making audio cassettes

Properties of Polystyrene:

• Polystyrene exists in an amorphous state because of

the presence of bulky phenyl groups, packing of
polystyrene chains is not efficient.
• non-polar in nature.
• melting point is 240 degrees Celsius.
• density is 1.05 g/cm3
• boiling point is 430 degrees Celsius.
• thermal conductivity is 0.003 W/m.K.
• specific gravity is 1.054.
4. PMMA:

Polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA, is a

transparent organic polymer that is used as an
alternative to glass. It is a rigid plastic that can find
its application in a variety of industries. This
synthetic resin is formed by the polymerization of
methyl methacrylate.
APPLICATIONS:
Glass Substitute
Acrylic glass is used as a shatterproof alternative for
windows and skylights. It is also commonly used in
aquariums and aircraft canopies. A lot of hockey rinks also
use PMMA. Illuminated sign boards that display
advertisements or directions are also usually made up of
PMMA.

Construction and Design

Windows, doors, panels, canopies etc., all use polymethyl
methacrylate due to its excellent properties such as heat
insulation and light transmission. The polymer may also
be used in the construction of sinks, baths, knobs or tap
tops.
Automobile Industry
One of the most important industries that require PMMA is
the transportation and automobile industries. From car
windows to windshields, acrylic sheets can be found in a lot
of spaces. It is used in the manufacturing of various
automotive parts. The aviation and marine industry also
require this polymer. Car indicator covers and panels are
also made using plexiglass.

Healthcare Industry
PMMA polymer is also known as bone cement in the
healthcare industry. It is used by orthopaedic surgeons for
procedures like joint replacement or treating bone damages.
It can also be used to fill in the gaps between bones. Optical
fibres used for endoscopy also consist of PMMA.
Cosmetic Usage
PMMA has also found its usage in various beauty products
and injectables. It is used in cosmetic procedures that treat
ace, facial lines, wrinkles etc.

Lamps and Lighting

The light-emitting potential, transparency and other such
properties allow PMMA to be used in LED lights and lamps.
You can find PMMA being used in street and traffic lights. It
is manufactured in various colour options, which adds to its
usability in lamps and other lighting devices.
Electronic Devices
Acrylic glass can be used in the display of various
electronic equipment, including tv screens, laptops and
smartphones. This is due to its properties, such as
transmittance and high optical clarity.

Solar Devices
The application of polymethyl methacrylate PMMA in solar
panels is a result of its UV stability and light transmission
ability. It can also be used in the construction of
greenhouses, aquariums and marine centres.

Other products where this polymer finds its application

include paint, furniture and
optical fibres used for telecommunication.
PROPERTIES:

Outstanding optical properties.

Transparency and gloss finish.
Rigidity and dimensional stability.
Hardness and resistance to scratching.
Excellent resistance to sun rays (ultraviolet radiation)
and weathering aging.
THANK YOU