Some familiar household synthetic polymers include: Nylons in textiles and fabrics, Teflon in non-stick pans, Bakelite for electrical switches, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in pipes, etc. The common PET bottles are made of a synthetic polymer, polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic kits and covers are mostly made of synthetic polymers like polythene, and tires are manufactured from polybutadienes.[1] However, due to the environmental issues created by these synthetic polymers which are mostly non-biodegradable and often synthesized from petroleum, alternatives like bioplastics are also being considered. They are however expensive when compared to the synthetic polymers.[2]

IUPAC definition

Artificial polymer: Man-made polymer that is not a biopolymer.

Note 1: Artificial polymer should also be used in the case of chemically
modified biopolymers.

Note 2: Biochemists are now capable of synthesizing copies of biopolymers
that should be named Synthetic biopolymer to make a distinction
with true biopolymers.

Note 3: Genetic engineering is now capable of generating non-natural analogues
of biopolymers that should be referred to as artificial biopolymers, e.g.,
artificial protein, artificial polynucleotide, etc.[3]

Inorganic polymers

Organic polymers

The eight most common types of synthetic organic polymers, which are commonly found in households are:

List of some addition polymers and their uses
PolymerAbbreviationPropertiesUses
Low-density polyethyleneLDPEChemically inert, flexible, insulatorSqueeze bottles, toys, flexible pipes, insulation cover (electric wires), six-pack rings, etc.
High-density polyethyleneHDPEInert, thermally stable, tough and high tensile strengthBottles, pipes, inner insulation (dielectric) of coax cable (see also PTFE), plastic bags, etc.
PolypropylenePPResistant to acids and alkalies, High tensile strengthAuto parts, industrial fibers, food containers, liner in bags, dishware and as a wrapping material for textiles and food
Polystyrene (thermocole)PSThermal insulator. Properties depends on the form, expanded form is tough and rigidPetri dishes, CD case, plastic cutlery
PolytetrafluoroethylenePTFEVery low coefficient of friction, excellent dielectric properties, chemically inertLow friction bearings, non-stick pans, inner insulation (dielectric) of coax cable (see also HDPE), coating against chemical attack etc.
Polyvinyl chloridePVCInsulator, flame retardant, chemically inertPipe (mainly draining), fencing, lawn chairs, hand-bags, curtain clothes, non-food bottles, raincoats, toys, vinyl flooring, electrical installation insulations, etc.
PolychlorotrifluoroethylenePCTFEStable to heat and thermal attacks, high tensile strength and non wettingvalves, seals, gaskets etc.

Brand names

These polymers are often better known through their brand names, for instance:


Brand NamePolymerCharacteristic propertiesUses
BakelitePhenol-formaldehyde resinHigh electric, heat and chemical resistanceInsulation of wires, manufacturing sockets, electrical devices, brake pads, etc.
KevlarPara-aramid fibreHigh tensile strengthManufacturing armour, sports and musical equipment. Used in the field of cryogenics
TwaronPara-aramidHeat resistant and strong fibreBullet-proof body armor, helmets, brake pads, ropes, cables and optical fibre cables, etc. and as an asbestos substitute
MylarPolyethylene terephthalate filmHigh strength and stiffness, less permeable to gases, almost reflects light completelyFood packaging, transparent covering over paper, reflector for rollsigns and solar cooking stoves
NeoprenePolychloropreneChemically inertManufacturing gaskets, corrosion resistant coatings, waterproof seat covers, substitute for corks and latex
NylonPolyamideSilky, thermoplastic and resistant to biological and chemical agentsStockings, fabrics, toothbrushes. Molded nylon is used in making machine screws, gears etc.
NomexMeta-aramid polymerExcellent thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance, rigid, durable and fireproof.Hood of firefighter's mask, electrical lamination of circuit boards and transformer cores and in Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment
OrlonPolyacrylonitrile (PAN)Wool-like, resistant to chemicals, oils, moths and sunlightUsed for making clothes and fabrics like sweaters, hats, yarns, rugs, etc., and as a precursor of carbon fibres
RilsanPolyamide 11 & 12BioplasticUsed in high-performance applications such as sports shoes, electronic device components, automotive fuel lines, pneumatic airbrake tubing, oil and gas flexible pipes and control fluid umbilicals, and catheters.
TechnoraCopolyamidHigh tensile strength, resistance to corrosion, heat, chemicals and saltwaterUsed for manufacturing optical fiber cables, umbilical cables, drumheads, automotive industry, ropes, wire ropes and cables
TeflonPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)Very low coefficient of friction, excellent dielectric properties, high melting, chemically inertPlain bearings, gears, non-stick pans, etc. due to its low friction. Used as a tubing for highly corrosive chemicals.
UltemPolyimideHeat,flame and solvent resistant. Has high dielectric strengthUsed in medical and chemical instrumentation, also in guitar picks
Vectranaromatic polyesterHigh thermal and chemical stability. Golden color. Has high strength, low creep, and is moisture resistantUsed as reinforcing fibres for ropes, cables, sailcloth. Also used in manufacturing badminton strings, bike tires and in electronics applications. Is the key component of a line of inflatable spacecraft developed by Bigelow Aerospace
VitonPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)ElastomerDepends on the grade of the polymer. Viton B is used in chemical process plants and gaskets.
Zylonpoly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO)Very high tensile strength and thermal stabilityUsed in tennis racquets, table tennis blades, body armor, etc.

Summary Chart

Overview of chemical structure and uses of common polymers.

Plastic identification codes

See also

References

  1. Andrew J. Peacock; Allison R. Calhoun (30 June 2006). Polymer Chemistry: Properties and Applications. Hanser Verlag. pp. 1–. ISBN 978-1-56990-397-1. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  2. Srikanth Pilla (15 September 2011). Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications. John Wiley & Sons. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-118-17704-4. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  3. "Glossary of Basic Terms in Polymer Science". Pure and Applied Chemistry. 68 (12): 2287–2301. 1996. doi:10.1351/goldbook.A00250. ISBN 978-0-9678550-9-7.
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