Polymers

Preparation, Properties and Applications


PVC
Preparation: heating a water emulsion of vinyl chloride in
presence of a small amount of benzoyl peroxide or
hydrogen peroxide in an autoclave under pressure.
Properties:
1. colourless, non inflammable and chemically inert powder,
resistant to light, atmospheric oxygen, inorganic acids
and alkalis.
2. Greater stiffness and rigidity compared to PE, but brittle
(amorphous). Tg= 148 deg. Most widely used synthetic
plastic.

Uses:
1. Rigid PVC or brittle PVC has superior chemical
resistance. It is used for making sheets employed for tank
linings, light fittings, safety helmets, tyres.
2. Plasticized PVC is obtained by adding plasticizers such as
dibutyl phthalate, is used for making continuous sheets (of
thickness 0.1mm-8 mm). Plasticized PVC is used as an
upholstery substitute for leathers.

PTFE (Teflon):
Preparation: It is obtained by polymerization of water emulsion of
tetrafluoro ethylene, under pressure in presence of benzoyl peroxide.
Properties:
1. Due to the presence of highly electronegative fluorine atoms and the
regular configuration of PTFE molecule (crystalline structure due to
high degree of symmetry), result in very strong attractive forces
between the chains. These strong attractive forces give the material
extreme toughness, high melting point (350 deg), high chemical
resistance towards all chemicals (except hot alkali metal and hot
flourine), high density and high tensile strength.
2. At 350 degress, it sinters to form very viscous, opaque mass which
can be molded into certain forms.

Uses:
1. Insulating material and making gaskets.
2. Coating purposes
3. Non lubricative bearings
 Condensation Polymers
1. Polyamides: synthetic polymers which have recurring
amide groups. Nylons used for making fibres belong to
this class.
Properties:
1. High mp (160-264 deg)
2. High temperature stability
3. Good abrasion resistance
4. Insoluble in common organic solvents. Soluble in phenol
and formic acid.
5. High tensile strength
6. Absorb little moisture
7. Very flexible and retain original shape after use.
8. Blending with wool increases the strength and
abrasion resistance of wool.
Uses:
1. Nylon 6 6 used for making fibres
2. Nylon 6 and Nylon 11 are used for molding purposes
for gears, bearings, electrical mounting etc.