Model and compare the structure, properties and uses of addition polymers of ethylene and related monomers

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Organic Chemistry > Polymers >[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Polyethylene (PE)

Structure

  • Composed of several non-polar, saturated monomers of ethylene molecules.
  • Forms a long of chain of hydrogen atoms connected to a carbon backbone.

Reference image for structure:[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://easychem.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Polyethylene.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Properties

  • Resistant to strong acids, bases, gentle oxidants and reducing agents.
  • Dissolve in aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents in high temperature.
  • Good electrical insulator.

Uses

  • For packaging of goods in a variant number of industries.
  • As a consumer good for disposing trash and garbage.
  • For manufacture of rope, fishing net and other sport goods.
  • For production of pipes and fittings.

 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Structure

  • Vinyl polymer made of a carbon backbone where hydrogens in specific positions are replaced by chlorine atoms.

Reference image for structure:[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://easychem.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Polyvinyl-Chloride.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Properties

  • Tough and possesses high mechanical strength.
  • Heat stability is quite poor which calls for the addition of heat stabilizers to ensure the product’s properties.
  • A good insulator but because of having a high polarity, its insulating properties is less as compared to that of polyethylene and polypropylene.
  • Resistant to corrosive materials such as acids, salts, bases, fats, and alcohols.

Uses

  • Half of the world’s polyvinyl resin is used for manufacturing municipal and industrial pipes for its ability to resist corrosion.
  • Used for creating signs and other forms of commercial signage products.
  • Used as insulation on electric cables.
  • PVC fabric is water-resistant, used for its weather-resistant qualities in coats, skiing equipment, shoes, jackets, aprons, and sports bags.

 

Polystyrene (PS)

Structure

  • Long chain hydrocarbon where phenyl groups are attached to alternating carbon atoms.

Reference image for structure:[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://easychem.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Polystyrene.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_text]Properties

  • High tensile strength and can tolerate high impact.
  • Malleable and can be moulded into different shapes.
  • Recyclable and environment friendly.
  • A good heat insulator.

Uses

  • Often used to make parts of electronic appliances because it is cheap and chemically inert.
  • Used to make automobile parts, including knobs, instrument panels, trim etc.
  • Widely used in food storing and packaging.
  • Due to its clarity and ease of sterilization, polystyrene is used for a wide range of medical applications, including tissue culture trays, test tubes, petri dishes, diagnostic components, housings for test kits and medical devices.

 

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Structure

  • Synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene.

Reference image for structure:[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://easychem.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Polytetrafluoroethylene.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_text]Properties

  • Highly flexible.
  • Resistant to heat, chemical and even water.
  • High electrical resistance and dielectric strength.

Uses

  • Major application in wiring of aerospace and computer applications.
  • Used as non-stick coating for pans and cookwares.
  • Due to being resistant to corrosion, it is often used in containers and pipework for corrosive substances.

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