Synthetic Polymers
The natural polymers are formed by chemical reactions in which a large chain of monomers are assembled sequentially forming a chain like structure. The structure and the importance of the natural polymers thus slowly influenced the scientists to create synthetic polymers for various uses. It is believed that during the Second World War, due to the shortage of substances like rubber, silk etc. people invented their own ways to create polymeric substances similar to the natural polymers like nylon and synthetic rubber.
Based on the structure and uses, they are divided into sections like plastics, Synthetic rubber, Synthetic fiber etc. Most of these synthetic polymers can be classified into three main categories namely thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers.
Thermoplastics: These are plastic that melt into a liquid form when heated and then freezes to a brittle form when cooled. They have the property of forming different shapes when heated again.
Thermosets: These are plastics which cannot be remolded into different shapes when heated, instead get burnt.
Elastomers: An elastomer is a polymer with a unique property of elasticity. They are usually used to create substances whose shape can be changed without heating, like adhesives, seals, and other molded flexible parts.
Varied uses of synthetic polymers:
· Plastics like polythene are used as containers and cups as they are light and easy to use.
· Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to make pipes, raincoats, insulate the electric wires etc.
· Polystyrene is used to package materials, make toys, etc.
· Perspex is another type of plastic polymer used for making the window panes of an aeroplane, lenses, car lamp covers etc.
· Polypropene is a strong plastic used for making bottles, tables and chairs etc.
· Teflon is one of the toughest polymers used to create the non-stick pots and pans.
· Nylon is used to make various things like umbrellas, carpets, socks, toothbrush etc.
· Terylene is used to make fishing nets, clothes and cassettes etc.
· Dacron, a condensed polyester fiber created from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid is used in dress fabrics, patch closures in small caliber carotids, and different biomaterials.
· Polyurethane is another polymer used to create medical devices such as meshes, dipping and coating systems, spray foam insulation etc. and also for the construction of cardio patches.
Thus directly or indirectly we use synthetic polymers in our everyday life. The list of uses of the synthetic polymers is never-ending and so we have provided just a brief introduction to its uses.
This entry was posted on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am and is filed under Polymers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.