Polymers Test - 4

Terylene is a copolymer of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

Buna S is a copolymer. It involves two monomers: styrene (H₂C=CHC₆H₅) and butadiene (H₂C=CHCH=CH₂).

Neoprene is a homopolymer of chloroprene.

Chloroprene is the monomer of neoprene.

Vulcanisation of rubber is a process of improvement of the rubber elasticity and strength by heating it in the presence of sulphur, which results in three-dimensional cross-linking of the chain rubber molecules (polyisoprene) bonded to each other by sulphur atoms. Vulcanised rubber is less sticky and also, it has superior mechanical properties.

Natural rubber is a linear polymer of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene). It is also called cis-1,4-polyisoprene. On an average, it contains 5000 isoprene units. All the double bonds in natural rubber are cis.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), commonly known as PHBV, is a polyhydroxyalkanoate-type polymer. It is biodegradable, nontoxic, biocompatible plastic produced naturally by bacteria and a good alternative for many non-biodegradable synthetic polymers. It is a thermoplastic linear aliphatic polyester. It is obtained by the copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid. PHBV is used in speciality packaging, orthopedic devices and in controlled release of drugs.

The properties of PHBV vary according to the ratio of both acids.

Polyacrylonitrile is usually used to make other polymers like, carbon fiber. Fibers of polyacrylonitrile have been uses in hot gas filtration systems, outdoor awnings, sails for yachts, and even fiber reinforced concrete. But mostly copolymers containing polyacrylonitrile are used as fibers to make knitted clothing, like socks and sweaters, as well as outdoor products like tents.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in pipes, siding, flooring, etc.