ALI MUHAMMAD Reg # 2415226014 Assignment-1

Assignment 1
1. Can you name some commonly used synthetic fibers? What are the characteristics of
each of them (table as characteristics comparison).

Sr# Synthetic Fibers Characteristics

1 Polyester Polyester fiber is known for its durability, wrinkle-resistance, and
quick-drying properties. It is commonly used in clothing,
upholstery, and outdoor gear.
2 Nylon Nylon synthetic fiber known for its strength, elasticity, and
abrasion-resistance. It is commonly used in clothing, carpets, and
ropes.
3 Acrylic Acrylic is a soft, warmth, and ease of care. It is commonly used in
clothing, blankets, and upholstery.
4 Polypropylene Polypropylene fiber is known for its lightweight, moisture-wicking,
and fast-drying properties. It is commonly used in athletic wear,
outdoor gear, and carpeting.
5 PVC Polyvinyl chloride is used for its waterproof and weather-resistant
properties. It is commonly used in rainwear, inflatable products,
and upholstery.
6 Lycra Lycra is well known for its high stretch and recovery, making it ideal
for form-fitting clothing and athletic wear.
7 Acetate Acetate synthetic fiber known for its smooth, lustrous feel and
drape. It is commonly used in clothing, linings, and upholstery.
8 Olefin Olefin is a synthetic fiber known for its moisture-resistance,
durability, and lightweight properties. It is commonly used in
outdoor gear, carpeting, and upholstery.

9 Viscose Viscose is a synthetic fiber made from natural cellulose that mimics
the feel and drape of silk and cotton. It is commonly used in
clothing, linings, and upholstery.

2. Briefly describe the characteristics of polymers? Like, the definition , the types of
polymer chains, the glass transition temperature, the polymerization degree etc.
• Polymers:
A polymer is a substance or material that consists of very large molecules, or
macromolecules, that are constituted by many repeating subunits derived from one or
more species of monomers. Different polymers have a number of unique physical and
chemical properties, due to which they find usage in everyday life.

• Classification of polymers
ALI MUHAMMAD Reg # 2415226014 Assignment-1

There are three types of classification under this category: natural, synthetic, and semi-
synthetic polymers.
Natural Polymers: They occur naturally and are found in plants and animals. For example,
proteins, starch, cellulose and rubber. To add up, we also have biodegradable polymers called
biopolymers.
Semi-synthetic Polymers: They are derived from naturally occurring polymers and undergo
further chemical modification. For example, cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate.
Synthetic Polymers: These are human-made polymers. Plastic is the most common and widely
used synthetic polymer. It is used in industries and various dairy products. For example, nylon-6,
6, polyether, etc.

• Types of polymer chains in polymers

Linear Polymers: The structure of polymers containing long and straight chains falls into this
category. PVC, i.e., polyvinyl chloride, is largely used for making pipes, and an electric cable is an
example of a linear polymer.
Branched-chain Polymers: When linear chains of a polymer form branches, then such polymers
are categorised as branched chain polymers. For example, low-density polythene.
Cross-linked Polymers: They are composed of bifunctional and trifunctional monomers. They
have a stronger covalent bond in comparison to other linear polymers. Bakelite and melamine
are examples of cross-linked polymers.

• Commercial uses of polymers

Polymer Monomer Uses of Polymer
Rubber Isoprene (1, 2-methyl 1 Making tyres, elastic materials
– 1, 3-butadiene)
BUNA – S (a) 1, 3-butadiene (b) Synthetic rubber
Styrene
Teflon Tetra Fluoro Ethane Non-stick cookware – plastics
Terylene (a) Ethylene glycol (b) Fabric
Terephthalic acid
Glyptal (a) Ethylene glycol (b) Fabric
Phthalic acid
Bakelite (a) Phenol (b) Plastic switches, Mugs, buckets
Formaldehyde
PVC Vinyl Cyanide Tubes, Pipes
Melamine (a) Melamine (b) Ceramic, plastic material
Formaldehyde Formaldehyde
Resin
Nylon-6 Caprolactam Fabric
ALI MUHAMMAD Reg # 2415226014 Assignment-1

• Glass transition temperature

Glass transition temperature is the temperature at which an amorphous polymer changes from a
hard/glassy state to a soft/leathery state, or vice versa. Tg is directly related to a material's
strength and capabilities in any given end-use application.
Hard plastics like polystyrene and poly (methyl methacrylate) are used well below their glass
transition temperatures, i.e., when they are in their glassy state. Their Tg values are both at
around 100 °C (212 °F). Rubber elastomers like polyisoprene and polyisobutylene are used above
their Tg, that is, in the rubbery state, where they are soft and flexible; crosslinking prevents free
flow of their molecules, thus endowing rubber with a set shape at room temperature (as opposed
to a viscous liquid).
• Polymerization degree
The degree of polymerization (DP or Xn) is defined as the number of monomer units in the
polymer. It is calculated as the ratio of molecular weight of a polymer and molecular weight of
the repeat unit. Number average DP and weight average DP are the two main types used for
measuring the DP. For most industrial purposes, degrees of polymerization in the thousands or tens of
thousands are desired.

• Other characteristics of polymers

Chemical properties: Polymers can be resistant to degradation, or they can be susceptible to
organic acids or solvents. Some polymers are hydrophobic, while others are hydrophilic.
Physical properties: Polymers can be strong, tough, resilient, and flexible. They can also be
resistant to corrosion, and they can be insulators of heat and electricity.
Molecular arrangement: Polymers can have an amorphous arrangement, or they can have a
crystalline arrangement. Amorphous polymers have no long-range order, while crystalline
polymers are translucent or opaque.
Melting and boiling points: Polymers have high melting and boiling points, which are determined
by the strength of their intermolecular forces.
Thermal expansion: Polymers expand or shrink when exposed to heat or cold.
Elasticity: Polymers with weak intermolecular linkages are more pliable and stretch more.