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Updated on 19th February, 2024 , 7 min read
Synthetic polymers have revolutionized numerous industries, serving as the backbone for countless everyday objects and materials. Humans created polymers known as synthetic polymers. Thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and synthetic fibres make up the four groups. They can frequently be found in a variety of consumer goods. Different main chains and side chains are used to make synthetic organic polymers. Because they possess several very desirable qualities, including strength, flexibility, resistivity, chemical inertness, and others, synthetic polymers are widely employed in everyday life.
This article will provide a detailed exploration of synthetic polymers, shedding light on their composition, properties, and wide-ranging applications. From plastics to fibres, coatings to adhesives, synthetic polymers have become an essential part of our modern lives.
Synthetic polymers are those which are human-made polymers. Polymers are those which consist of repeated structural units known as monomers. Polyethylene is considered to be one of the simplest polymers, it has ethene or ethylene as the monomer unit whereas the linear polymer is known as the high-density polyethylene-HDPE. Many polymeric materials have chain-like structures which resemble polyethene. Synthetic polymers are sometimes referred to as “plastics”, of which the well-known ones are nylon and polyethene. The polymers which are formed by linking monomer units, without any change of material, are known as addition polymers or also called chain-growth polymers. All these are said to be synthetic polymers.
The world of synthetic polymers encompasses a wide range of materials. Let's take a closer look at a few notable examples of synthetic polymers that are commonly used in everyday life:
Nylon, a type of synthetic polymer known as polyamide, was invented by Wallace Carothers at DuPont's research facility in 1935. It is widely utilized due to its unique hydrophilic properties resulting from its amide backbone. Unlike pure hydrocarbon polymers, nylon engages in hydrogen bonding with water, making it distinct from most plastics.
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, holds the third position among the most produced plastics, following polypropylene and polyethene. It finds extensive use in construction, thanks to its affordability and strength, often replacing materials like copper and iron. PVC is also employed in clothing, electrical cable insulation, and various other applications as a substitute for rubber.
Low-density polyethene, a prevalent type of synthetic polymer, is commonly found in households. LDPE is a thermoplastic prepared from the monomer ethylene, making it versatile and widely used in numerous applications.
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic synthetic polymer with diverse applications. It is employed in packaging, labelling, stationery, textiles, plastics, reusable containers, laboratory equipment, and more.
Other notable examples of synthetic polymers include thermoplastic polyurethane, Teflon, polystyrene, high-density polyethene, and neoprene.
These synthetic polymers play crucial roles in various industries and contribute to the development of numerous products we encounter in our daily lives.
The table below highlights different types of synthetic polymers and synthetic polymers examples:
Synthetic Polymer Type | Examples |
| Nylon | Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6 |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | PVC, UPVC, CPVC |
| Low-Density Polyethylene | LDPE, LLDPE, VLDPE |
| Polypropylene | PP (Polypropylene), BOPP (Biaxially Oriented PP) |
| Polystyrene | PS (Polystyrene), EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
| Polyurethane | PU (Polyurethane) |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene | PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Teflon |
| Polycarbonate | PC (Polycarbonate) |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | ABS, LEGO bricks |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) | PVA fibers, PVA films |
| Silicone | Silastic, Silicone rubber |
| Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) | PAN fibers |
| Polybutadiene | BR (Butadiene Rubber) |
| Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) |
PVA adhesives, PVA emulsions |
Synthetic polymers find diverse applications in our daily lives, ranging from plastic containers of various shapes and sizes to clothing, construction materials, and toys for children.
These polymers are favoured for their lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional containers. Additionally, they contribute to improved aeration in soil, enhancing water and mineral permeability while promoting plant growth and health.
Synthetic polymers can be categorized into four distinct groups: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and synthetic fibres. Each group possesses unique characteristics and applications.
These distinct categories of synthetic polymers offer a wide range of applications and contribute to various industries and everyday products.
Synthetic polymers have numerous applications across various industries due to their versatility, durability, and customizable properties. Here are some common applications of synthetic polymers:
Synthetic polymers have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering numerous advantages, but they also come with certain drawbacks. Let's explore their advantages and disadvantages:
It is important to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic polymers and work towards finding sustainable alternatives and better waste management strategies to mitigate their negative impacts on the environment.
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By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min readSynthetic polymers are man-made materials consisting of long molecular chains or macromolecules. They are created from natural products or raw materials like oil, gas, or coal.
Examples of synthetic polymers include Nylon, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene, Polyester, Polystyrene, and Teflon.
Synthetic polymers have desirable properties such as strength, flexibility, chemical inertness, and resistance to heat and electricity. They are also often more cost-effective compared to natural alternatives.
Synthetic polymers can have negative environmental impacts due to their non-biodegradable nature and challenges in disposal. However, efforts are being made to develop more sustainable alternatives and improve recycling methods.
Yes, many synthetic polymers are recyclable. Thermoplastics, such as Polyethylene and Polypropylene, can be melted and reformed multiple times. However, the recycling process may vary depending on the specific polymer.
Synthetic polymers can be categorized into four main groups: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and synthetic fibers. Each group has distinct properties and applications.
Synthetic polymers find extensive use in various industries and products. They are used in packaging materials, textiles, construction materials, automotive components, household items, and many other everyday products.
Some synthetic polymers, especially those containing additives, may raise concerns about potential health risks. It is essential to follow safety guidelines and regulations to ensure the proper handling and use of synthetic polymer products.
Yes, efforts are underway to develop biodegradable synthetic polymers. These polymers are designed to break down naturally over time, reducing their impact on the environment. Biodegradable plastics and bio-based polymers are examples of such developments.
"Plastics" is a term frequently used to describe synthetic polymers. Nylon and polythene are the most widely used varieties. They are mostly created through the addition of polymers, which is a process known as addition polymerization.
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