SYNTHETIC POLYMERS

CONTENT

1. Definition of Terms
2. Types of Polymerisation
3. Classification and Preparation of Polymers
4. Properties of Polymers
5. Uses of Polymers

Definition of Terms

1. Synthetic polymers

These are polymers made in the industry from chemical substances. Through scientific research, scientists are able to copy the structures of natural polymers to produce synthetic polymers. Many of the raw materials for synthetic polymers are obtained from petroleum, after the refining and cracking processes. The types of synthetic polymers include: (a) Plastics (b) Fibre (c) Elastomers

2. Elastomer

This is a polymer that can regain its original shape after being stretched or pressed. Both natural rubber and synthetic rubber are examples of elastomers. Examples of synthetic rubber are neoprene and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). SBR is used to make car tyres.

3. Polymers

Polymers are large molecules made up of many smaller and identical repeating units joined together by covalent bonds. These molecules are called monomers.

4. Monomers

Monomers are the simple molecules from which the large molecules are built or the small molecule or repeating unit or the building block in the
structure of polymer is called monomer.