Polymer
Polymer
By : Ali Jalal
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Research report of polymer
Polymer
A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very large molecules, or
macromolecules, composed of many repeating subunits. Due to their broad spectrum of
properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play essential and ubiquitous roles in
everyday life.
Polyethylene (Polythene)
Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) also known as vinyl.
Polypropylene
Polystyrene
Poly tetra fluoro ethylene (Teflon)
Polyethylene:
Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer with a variable crystalline structure and a vast
range of applications depending on the particular type. It is one of the most widely
produced plastics in the world, with tens of millions of tons produced worldwide each
year.
o Branched Versions
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٠ Linear Versions
o High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
o Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Chemical Properties:
Polyethylene is made up of nonpolar saturated hydrocarbons with very high molecular
weights. This is believed to be the reason why the chemical properties exhibited by poly
ethylene is quite similar to those of paraffin. It can be noted that the individual
polyethylene macromolecules are not linked via covalent bonds. However, these
molecules crystallize due to their rather symmetric molecular structures. Therefore,
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polythene can be considered as a partially crystalline plastic .The greater the
crystallinity of the polymer the greater its density and chemical stability.
It is important to note that most types of polyethylene have very high chemical
resistance towards acids and alkalis (including LDPE, MDPE, and HDPE). These
plastics are also resistant towards weak oxidizing agents and weak reducing agents.
Most poly ethylene is known to be soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons like xylene or
toluene under elevated temperatures.
Uses of Polyethylene:
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Sharing of Poly ethylene in products:
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Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC):
PVC is a plastic material that is used for many purposes, for example to make clothing
or shoes or to cover chairs. PVC is an abbreviation for 'polyvinyl chloride'.
Types of PVC:
There are three broad classifications for rigid PVC compounds: Type I, Type II, and
CPVC. Type II and CPVC offer better heat and chemical resistance as well as greater
impact resistance. These materials are considered un plasticized (rigid) because they
are less flexible than the plasticized formulations.
Properties:
PVC has been used extensively in a wide range of construction products for over half a
century. PVC's strong, lightweight, durable and versatile characteristics make it ideal for window
profiles. PVC's inherent flame retardant and excellent electrical insulation properties make it
ideal for cabling applications.
Because it is strong and resistant to moisture and abrasion, vinyl is ideal for cladding,
windows, roofing, fencing, decking, wall coverings, and flooring. Vinyl does not corrode
like some building materials, does not require frequent painting and can be cleaned with
mild cleaning products.
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Siding and Windows:
Vinyl helps produce siding and window frames that are extremely durable, affordable,
and help conserve energy when heating and cooling homes. In fact, vinyl windows have
three times the heat insulation of aluminum windows.
Water Pipes:
PVC helps conserve energy and water by creating virtually leak-free pipes that
are not prone to corrosion and resist environmental stress. PVC breakage rates
are as low as one percent of the breakage rates of cast metal systems. The lack
of build-up in PVC piping improves functionality and increases energy efficiency
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Packaging:
Because it is durable, dependable and light weight, flexible PVC helps packaging do its
job to maintain the integrity of the products inside, including medicines. Clear vinyl is
used in tamper-resistant over-the-counter medications and shrink wrap for consumer
products. Rigid vinyl film is used in blister and clamshell packaging to protect medicines
personal care products and other household goods.
Household Products:
PVC’s affordability, durability and water resistance make it ideal for rain coats, boots
and shower curtains.