UNIT 4: Polymer Chemistry

Introduction to polymers, functionality of monomers, chain growth and step growth polymerization,
coordination polymerization, with specific examples and mechanisms of polymer formation. Plastics
–Thermo and Thermosetting plastics, Preparation, properties and applications of – PVC, Teflon,
Bakelite, Nylon-6,6, carbon fibres.Elastomers–Buna-S, Buna-N–preparation, properties and
applications. Conducting polymers – polyacetylene, polyaniline, – mechanism of conduction and
applications. Bio-Degradable polymers - Poly Glycolic Acid (PGA), Polyl Lactic Acid (PLA).

Introduction:

Polymer: Polymers are large molecules made up of many smaller molecules. 'Poly' means many and
'mer' means units.
Monomers: Small molecules of low molecular weight, which combine to give a polymer, are called
monomers.
(mono = one, mer = unit) monomers are joined together through polymerisation to form polymers. A
polymer contains hundreds of thousands of monomers.
Homo polymer: A polymer, in which a single type of monomer is used, is called homo polymer.
Examples : Polythene, polystyrene, Polyvinylchloride etc.
Copolymer: A polymer in which the monomers are more than one type is called copolymer (hetero
polymer).
Examples : Buna-S is a copolymer of 1,3- butadiene and styrene.
Bakelite is a copolymer of phenol and formaldehyde.
Degree of polymerization:
The number of repeating units (or) monomer units available in the polymer is known as degree of
polymerization.
Polymers with a high degree of polymerization (more than 600) are called High polymers.
Polymers with low degree of polymerization (less than 600) are called Oligo polymers
Classification of polymers:
Based on their sources they are classified into;
1) Natural polymers: The polymers, which are obtained from natural sources such as plants and
animals, are called natural polymers.
Eg: Wood, starch, cellulose, Jute, Cotton, Wool, Silk, Proteins, Natural rubber etc.
2) Synthetic polymers: These are synthesized with the help of chemicals in industries.
E.g.: polythene, nylon-6, 6, synthetic rubber etc.
3) Semi synthetic polymers: These are the synthetic derivatives of the natural polymers.
E.g.: Cellulose acetate (Rayon) and cellulose nitrate.
Classification based on structure:
a) Linear Polymers: These polymers consist of long and straight chains.
b) Branched chain polymers: These polymers contain linear chains having some branches.
c) Cross linked polymers (or) 3- dimensional network polymers:

Classification Based on Composition of Polymers: [1] Homopolymer [2] Copolymer

Classification Based on Backbone of the polymer chain: [1] Organic polymer [2] Inorganic
Polymers.
A polymer whose backbone chain is essentially made of carbon atoms is termed as organic polymer.
If chain backbone contains no carbon atom is called inorganic polymer. Glass and silicone rubber are
examples.

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1) What is meant by functionality of monomer. Explain with suitable examples.
Functionality: The number of bonding sites (or) reactive sites (or) functional groups present in
the monomer is called functionality.
When the functionality of monomer is two; it is bi-functional and Linear straight chain polymer
is formed.
Examples for bi-functional monomers: a) ethylene b) styrene c) vinyl chloride d) vinyl
cyanide.
Example for polymer: HDPE (high density polythene)
When the functionality of monomer is three; it is tri-functional and three- dimensional net work
polymer is formed. Ex: phenol, glycerol.
Examples for polymers : Urea formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde.
When a tri-functional monomer is mixed in small amounts with a bi-functional monomer, a
branched chain polymer is formed.
Ex: LDPE (Low density polyethene)

Different types of polymer structure can be obtained based on the functionality of monomeric
units.
Case-I:
Linear or straight chain molecules are formed by the combination of bi-functional monomers
which contain two reactive sites.
Linear polymers are obtained by strong covalent bonds. But different chains are held
together by secondary weak vanderwaal’s forces.
Case-II:
Branched chain polymers are obtained by the combination of tri-functional monomer and bi-
functional monomers.
Case-III:
Three dimensional network polymers are obtained by the combination of poly-functional
monomers.
In such polymeric molecules, the movement of monomer units is prevented by strong cross
links.

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2) Explain chain (addition) and step growth (Condensation) polymerisation with suitable
examples? [or] Differentiate b/w addition (chain) and condensation(step growth)
polymerisation with suitable examples?
Polymerisation: The process of formation of polymers from respective monomers is termed as
Polymerization.
1.Addition polymerization:
Definition: During the polymerization process, if the polymer is formed without loss of small
molecules like water, ammonia etc; then this type of polymerization is called Addition
polymerization.
 In this type of polymerization no by-product is formed.
 It is also known as Chain polymerization.
 It can takes place through formation of either radicals or ionic species such as carbanions
and carbocations.
 Ex: Polyethylene (PE); Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Teflon etc.

2.Condensation polymerization:
Def: During the polymerization process, if the polymer is formed with loss of small molecules
like water, ammonia etc; then this type of polymerization is called condensation polymerization.
 In this type of polymerization by-products are formed.
 It is also known as Step polymerization.
 Ex: Nylon-6,6; and Bakelite etc

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 Addition Polymerisation Condensation Polymerisation

1. Polymer is formed by addition of monomers 1. Polymer is formed by two or more monomers

without elimination of small molecules. by the elimination of small molecules.

2. No by-products are formed. 2. By products are formed.

3. Homo chain polymers, generally thermo plastic 3. Hetero chain polymer either thermo plastic or
is obtained. thermo setting can be obtained.

4. The growth of chain is at one active centre. 4. The growth of chain occurs at minimum of two
active centres.

5. Addition polymerization are also known as 5. Condensation polymerization is also known as

chain growth polymerization. step growth polymerization.

6. Examples are PVC, Teflon, Polyethylene etc 6. Examples are Bakelite, nylon 6,6 etc

Mechanism of Polymerisation:

1.Chain Polymerisation:
A chain Polymerisation is a reaction that yields a polymer product which is the exact multiple of
monomers. Thus the mechanism is also called addition Polymerisation. The following are the
characteristics.
1. The functionality of the monomer is a double bond and it is bifunctional.
2. The polymerisation takes place by self-addition of the monomer molecules to each other.
Through a chain reaction.
3. No biproducts like H2O, CH3OH etc., are produced.
4. The polymer has the same chemical composition as that of monomer.
5. The molecular weight of the polymer is the exact multiple of the monomers.
6. The mechanism is carried out in three steps, i.e. initiation, propagation and termination.
7. The mechanism is rapid.
8. The conversion of a n bond to a bond takes place during the polymerisation, liberating 20
k.cal/mole of energy. Hence highly exothermic reactions.
9. An initiator is required to start the polymerisation reaction.

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3) Explain the free radical mechanism of addition polymerization.
When the chain reaction is initiated and carried by free radical intermediates, the reaction is known
as free radical polymerization.

Mechanism: Free radical polymerization involves three steps.

1. Chain initiation
2. Chain Propagation
3. Chain Termination
The initiator undergoes homolytic fission to produce free radicals, which initiates and propagates
(rapid chain growth) the polymerisation reaction as given below. Ex. Benzoyl peroxide (di-tert-butyl
peroxide)

i. Initiation: Initiators are unstable compounds and undergo homolytic fission to produce free
radicals which react with n electrons of the monomer to produce monomer free radical.
Theory:

ii. Propagation: The monomer free radical reacts with a number of monomers rapidly resulting the
chain growth with free radical site at the end of the chain producing a living polymer. By adding fresh
monomers to the living polymer with free radical site, again chain growth starts. Hence it is known as
living polymer.
Theory:

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iii. Termination: Termination (to stop chain growth) of the growing polymer chain is carried by
'coupling' and 'disproportionatiori, resulting the dead polymer. In coupling, the collision of two
growing chains causes the union of the two chains at their free radical site producing a dead polymer.

In termination by disproportionate, H from the growing chain is abstracted by the other growing
chain, utilising the lone electron for getting stabilised, while the chain which has donated the H gets
stabilised by the formation of a double bond.

4) Explain the mechanism of cationic chain polymerisation.

Addition polymers can also be made by chain reactions that proceed through intermediates that carry
either a negative or positive charge.
Based on the nature of ions used for the initiation process ionic polymerization classified into two types:
(a) Cationic polymerization and (b) Anionic polymerization
[a]Cationic chain polymerisation:
When the chain reaction is initiated and carried by positively charged intermediates, the reaction is known
as cationic polymerization.
Cationic polymerization depends on the use of cationic initiators which include reagents capable of
providing positive ions (or) H + ions. Typical examples are aluminium chloride with water
(AlCl 3 +H 2 O) or boron trifluoride with water (BF 3 +H 2 O).
i) Initiation:
The strong lewis acids like BF3, AICl3 etc., (generally called as catalyst) in presence of small
amount of water (generally called cocatalyst) initiates the reaction as follows.

[HOBF3]- is called counter ion, because it is always with carbonium ion of the monomer.

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 ii) Propagation: The monomer carbocation attacks the n electrons of the other monomers
resulting the chain growth with carbocation at the end of the chain.

c) Termination: Termination of cationic chain polymerisation is done by coupling where the

OH~ ion from the counter ion terminates the polymerisation.

5) Explain the mechanism of anionic chain polymerization.

Addition polymers can also be made by chain reactions that proceed through intermediates that carry
either a negative or positive charge.
Based on the nature of ions used for the initiation process ionic polymerization classified into two types:
(a) Cationic polymerization and
(b) Anionic polymerization

[b]Anionic Chain Polymerisation:

When the chain reaction is initiated and carried by negatively charged intermediates, the reaction is known as
anionic polymerization or anionic chain polymerization.
Anionic polymerization depends on the use of anionic initiators which include reagents capable of providing
negative ions. Typical catalysts include sodium in liquid ammonia.
i) Initiation: An anion produced by the initiator will react with the monomer to produce monomer
carbanion.

ii) Propagation: Attack of the monomers by monomer carbanion results in chain growth as shown below.

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iii) Termination: Termination of the chain is carried out by a H+ ion

6) Explain the Ziegler Natta catalysis.(or) Coordination polymerization.

Ziegler – Natta catalysis (or) Co-ordination polymerization:

 Ziegler is German scientist and Natta is Italy scientist.

 They developed a catalyst known as Ziegler Natta catalyst which is useful in synthesizing
stereo regular polymers commercially.
 This catalyst is a co-ordination catalyst, consists of two components of catalyst and co-
catalyst.
Mechanism:

 Preparation:
 The active Ziegler – Natta catalyst is formed by chemisorption of aluminium alkyl on TiCl4
crystal.
 Here, the "active species" is a coordination complex, which initiates the polymerization by
adding to the monomer’s carbon-carbon double bond.

Initiation: Monomer forms -complex with active catalyst by co-ordination bond and with empty
orbital of titanium.

Propagation: In this step monomers are added one after another in between the metal and ethyl
group in the same manner as in initiation step. Chain growth is continued.

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Termination: The polymer chain is separated from the catalyst by the addition of molecules
containing active hydrogen (HX). Chain growth is stopped.

 Applications:
 Ziegler Natta catalyst is used for synthesizing the Syndiotactic and Isotactic polymers.
 Co-polymers, like ethylene and propylene are obtained by using Ziegler Natta catalysts,
which are excellent elastomers.
 It is used for synthesizing the cis-1,4 poly isoprene which is identical to natural rubber.

7) Explain the differences between thermo plastics and thermosetting plastics with examples?

s.no THERMOPLASTIC RESINS THERMOSET RESINS

During fabrication process these resins are

These resins become soft on heating and
1. moulded. Once moulded or shapened, they can
rigid on cooling.
not be softened.
The heating and cooling do not alter the
chemical nature of these resins because
2. These resins are permanent setting resins.
the changes involved are purely of
physical nature.
Thermoplastic resins are formed by chain Thermoset resins are formed by step
3.
polymerisation. polymerisation.
They consist of long chain linear
4. polymers with weak secondary vandar They have three dimensional network structures.
Waal's forces of attraction in between.
They are softened on heating readily
because the secondary force of attraction The bonds retain their strength on heating hence
5.
between the individual chains can break do not soften on heating.
easily by heat, pressure or both.
6. They can be reshaped. They cannot be reshaped
These plastics can be reclaimed from
7. They cannot be reclaimed from waste.
waste.
Thermoplastic resins are soft, weak and Thermoset resins are hard, strong and more
8.
less brittle. brittle.
These resins are usually soluble in Due to strong bonds and cross links, they are
9. organic solvents. insoluble in almost all organic solvents.
Eg: Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride etc. Eg: Bakelite, Nylon etc.

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8) Discuss about the preparation, properties and engineering applications of 1) PVC
2) Teflon 3) Bakelite 4) Nylon-6,6 5) Carbon fibres
6) Buna-S 7) Buna-N

1) Poly vinyl Chloride (PVC):

 Preparation :
 Polyvinyl chloride is prepared by heating a water emulsion of vinyl chloride in presence of
benzyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in autoclave under pressure.

Properties:

 PVC is a colourless , non inflammable and chemically inert powder.

 Specific gravity 1.33 and m.p: 148
 Resistant to atmospheric conditions like O2, CO2 and moisture.
 PVC is Strong, brittle.
 PVC is not stable to heat and UV radiation. It undergoes degradation.
Engineering applications:
 PVC treated with plasticizer is called plasticized PVC, used for electrical insulations,
injection moulding like radio and telephone components, chemical containers, cameras and
aircraft tools.

 Unplasticized PVC is rigid, highly resistant to chemicals and brittle, used for making safety
helmets, refrigerator components, tyres, cycle and motor cycle mudguards etc.
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2) Teflon( Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) PTFE:
Teflon is the trade name for Poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE).
Preparation :
Teflon is usually manufactured by emulsion polymerization of Tetra fluoro ethylene using peroxide
as initiators.

Properties:
1). High degree of crystallinity
2). High Melting Points
3). High density
4). Insoluble in any solvent
5). High resistance to corrosive chemicals, oxidizing and reducing agents.
6). Not wetted by either oil or water.
7). Remains slippery over a wide range of temperature (-40 to 3000c).
8). High thermal stability, good mechanical strength
9). Excellent electrical insulating properties.
Applications:
 It is used for insulation of motors, generator, transformers, coils, capacitors, wires and cables.
 Teflon is coated on articles such as bakery trays, frying pans and food processing equipments.
 It is used as gaskets and industrial filters.
 It is used widely in army weapons.
 Teflon is an ideal lubricant therefore used for non- lubricated bearings and as a dry lubricant.
3) Bakelite (Phenol Formaldehyde resin):
Bakelite is a condensation polymer of phenol and formaldehyde.
Preparation :
I) stage:
Phenol is made to react with formaldehyde in presence of acid / alkali to produce non - polymeric
mono, di, and tri methylol phenols depending on the phenol formaldehyde ratio (P/F ratio).

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II) Stage:
The mono, di, and tri methylol phenols are heated to produce two types of straight chain resins by
condensation of the methylol group with hydrogen atom of benzene ring or another methylol group

III) Stage: This stage of preparation includes heating of 'A' stage resin and 'B' stage resin together,
which develops cross linking and bakelite plastic resin is produced.

Properties:
 Bakelite plastic resin is hard, regid, and strong.
 It is a scratch resistant and water resistant polymer.
 Bakelite has got good chemical resistance, resistant to acids, salts and any organic solvents,
but it is attacked by alkalis due to the presence of- OH group.

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  It is a good anion exchanging resin, exchanges - OH group with any other anion.
 Bakelite is an excellent electrical insulator.
 It is a very good adhesive.
 Bakelite has very good corrosion resistance, resistant to atmospheric conditions like O2, CO2,
moisture, light, U.V. radiation etc.
Engineering applications:
Bakelite is used widely;
 For making electrical insulator parts like switches, switch boards, heater handles etc.
 For making moulded articles like telephone parts, cabinets for radio and television.
 For making tarpaulins, wood laminates and glass laminates.
 As an anion exchanger in water purification by ion exchange method in boilers.
 As an adhesive (binder) for grinding wheels etc.
 In paints and varnishes.
 For making bearings used in propeller shafts, paper industry and rolling mills .

4) Nylon 6,6: (Preparation):

Properties:
 High mechanical strength
 High toughness, stiffness and hardness
 Good impact resistance
 Good electrical insulating properties
 Lightweight; sometimes used in applications in place of metals
 Excellent fuel and oil resistance
 Attacked by strong mineral acids and absorbs polar solvents
 High water absorption
 High melting point make it more resistant to heat and friction
Applications:
 Nylon is used in making parachutes.
 It is also used to make swimwear.
 It is used for surgical sutures,
 It is used to make strings for musical instruments.
 It is used to make machine parts, as gears, fittings and bearings, automotive industry.
 It is used for making gun frames.
 It is used as thread in bristles for tooth brushes.
 It is also used in making airbags , carpets , ropes . hoses etc
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5) Carbon fiber. [Poly acrylonitrile] (PAN):
Poly acrylonitrile is used as the precursor for 90% of carbon fiber production.
Preparation:
It is also called orlon. It is formed by the polymerization of acrylonitrile in the presence of a peroxide
catalyst.

Properties:
 It has low density.
 It has high thermal stability.
 It has high resistance and elasticity modulus.
 It has stability to degradation by UV rays.
 It has non-melting and chemical resistance, make it an essential polymer for textile and high
technology applications.
Applications:
 It is used for military purposes.
 It is used in aircraft body, aircraft and spacecraft parts.
 It is used in racing car bodies, bicycle frames.
 It is used in rocket motors and components to provide insulation case.
 It is used in making tents.
 It is used as electrolyte separator in batteries.
 Acrylic fibers are used as filters in industries.
 It is used in fireproof clothes.

6) BUNA - S:
BUNA - S is otherwise called styrene rubber or GRS (Government Rubber Styrene) or Ameripol.
BUNA - S stands for the composition of the monomers and catalyst.
BU stands for Butadiene - monomer
NA stands for Sodium - catalyst
S stands for Styrene - monomer
BUNA -S is produced by the co-polymerization of butadiene with styrene using sodium as a catalyst.

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Properties:
 Styrene rubber is a strong and tough polymer.
 It is vulcanized by sulphur mono chloride (S2CI2) or sulphur.
 It resembles natural rubber in processing characteristics and quality of finished products.
 BUNA - S possess excellent abrasion resistance.
 It is a good electrical insulator.
 It is resistant to chemicals but swells in oils and attacked by even traces of ozone, present in the
atmosphere.
 Styrene rubber possess high load bearing capacity and resilience.
Applications:
 Major application of styrene rubber is in the manufacture of tyres.
 It is used in the footwear industry for making shoe soles and footwear components.
 It is also used for making wires and cable insulations.
 The other applications of styrene rubber are for the production of floor files, tank linings in
chemical industries and as adhesives.

7) BUNA-N:
Buna-N is also known as Nitrile rubber, NBR or Perbunan. It is synthetic rubber, copolymer of
acrylonitrile(ACN) and butadiene.
BUNA - S stands for the composition of the monomers and catalyst.
BU stands for Butadiene - monomer
NA stands for Sodium - catalyst
N stands for Acrylonitrile - monomer (vinyl cyanide)
BUNA -N is produced by the co-polymerization of butadiene with Acrylonirile using sodium as a
catalyst.
Preparation:

Properties:
 Buna-N is known for its unusually high resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals.
 It is vulcanized by sulphur mono chloride (S2CI2) or sulphur.
 BUNA - N possess excellent abrasion resistance.
 It is a good electrical insulator.
 It is resistant to chemicals but swells in oils and attacked by even traces of ozone, present in the
atmosphere.
 BUNA - N possess high load bearing capacity and resilience.

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Applications:
 It is used to make disposable non-latex gloves.
 It is used to make footwear, and floor mats.
 It is used in automotive, marine, and aeronautical fuel and oil systems.
 It is used to make belts, hoses, gaskets, oil seals, adhesives etc.

9) Illustrate the mechanism of conduction of conducting polymers by taking poly acetylene

(or) Polyaniline as an example.
A polymer which conducts electricity is called conducting polymer.
Eg :- Polyaniline, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, etc
They are classified into two types :1) Intrinsically conducting polymers.
2) Extrinsically conducting polymers

1. Intrinsically conducting polymers:

These have extensive conjugation in the backbone which is responsible for conductance. These
polymers can be divided into two :
a) Conducting polymers having conjugated π – electrons in the backbone:
eg :- polyacetylene, polyaniline etc.
These type of polymers have backbones of continuous sp2 hybridized carbon centers. One
valence electron on each center resides in a Pz orbital. Overlapping of conjugated π – electrons
over the entire backbone results in the formation of valence bonds as well as conduction bands,
which extends over the entire polymer molecule. But since the valence band and the conduction
band are separated by a significant band gap, conductivity of these polymers is not very high.

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 b) Doped conducting polymers:
Conductivities of polymers having conjugated π – electrons in the backbone can be increased by
creating either +ve or –ve charges on the polymer backbone by oxidation or reduction. This
process is called doping. It can be done in two ways :
i)Oxidative doping (P – doping ):
It involves treating the conjugated polymer with a Lewis acid like FeCl3 thereby oxidation takes
place and +ve charges are created on the back bone.

ii) Reductive doping (n – doping):

It involves treating the polymer with a Lewis base like RNH2 thereby reduction takes place
and -ve charges are created on the polymer back bone.

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 2.Extrinsically conducting polymers:
Some of the polymers conduct electricity due to externally added ingradients to them. They are of
two types.
a) Polymers with conductive elements filled Polymers.
b) Blended conducting polymers.
a).Polymers with conductive elements filled:
In these polymers, the polymer acts as a ‘binder’ and holds the conducting element added so that
the polymer becomes a conductor.
Examples of conductive elements are carbon black, metallic fibers, metallic oxides etc.
Minimum concentration of conductive element to be added so that the polymer becomes a
conductor is called percolation threshold.
The conductive elements added to create a conducting path in the polymer.
b).Blended conducting polymers:
These polymers are obtained by blending a conventional polymer with a conducting polymer.
The polymer thus obtained has good chemical, physical, electrical properties and mechanical
strength.
Ex; 40% pyrrole when blended with a conventional polymer, the combination gives conducting
polymer with good impact strength.

Applications of conducting polymers in biomedical devices:

 Conducting polymers are used in preparation of artificial devices like Heart valves, kidneys,
and lungs.
 Poly methyl methacrylate is used as bone cement used for some fracture repairs.
 Poly methyl methacrylate is also used for artificial teeth.
 Used in preparation other medical devices include sutures, pins, screws used during surgery
on bones, ankles, hands etc.
 They are used to prepare contact lenses which permit O2 to the eyes. These lenses are called
rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP).
Applications of conducting polymers in electronics:
 They are used in rechargeable batteries.
 They are used in analytical sensors of pH, O2, NO2, SO2, NH3 etc.
 Used in photo voltaic cells. Ex; Al/polymer/Au.
 Used in telecommunication systems.
 Used in transistors and diodes.
 Used in solar cells.
 Used as wiring in air crafts and aerospace parts.

10) Discuss about the importance of biodegradable polymers with suitable examples.
 Biodegradation is the chemical breakdown of materials by physiological environment.
 Some polymers undergo degradation when exposed to moisture, heat, oxygen, ozone and
micro organism.
 These agents change the chemical structure of the polymer and lead to change in properties
of polymer.
 Generally materials obtained from plants, animals and other living organism and synthetic
materials similar to plant and animal material undergo degradation by microorganism.
 These organic materials can be degraded either aerobically or anaerobically.

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  During biodegradation, microorganism secrets bio-surfactants which facilitates degradation
easily.
 These microorganisms can perform various activities like degradation, transformation or
accumulation of compounds like hydrocarbons, poly aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceutical
substances, radio nucleids and metals.
 The activity of aerobic bacteria is measured by the amount of O 2 consumed or the amount of
CO2 produced.
 The activity of anaerobic bacteria is measured by the amount of CH 4 gas produced.
 Applications:
 It is used in drug delivery systems.
 It is used to coat a stent and release drugs in a controlled way.
 It is used in dental devices and orthopedic fixation devices.
 Ex: Poly Lactic acid (PLA) Poly Glycolic acid (PGA), Poly hydroxyl butyrovelarate (PHBV).

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Hydro biodegradable plastics Oxo biodegradable plastics

 They undergo degradation by hydrolysis.  They undergo degradation by oxidation.

 It is rapid process.  It is rather slow process.
 End products are H2O & CO2.  End products are H2O & CO2.
 It is expensive process.  It is less expensive process.
 HBP emits CH4 in anaerobic condition.  It does not emit CH4. It emits only H2O &
 HBP can be prepared from corn, wheat, sugar CO2.
cane etc.  OBP can be prepared from byproducts of
oil or natural gas.

11) Write short notes on Poly Glycolic Acid (PGA) and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA).
Poly Glycolic Acid (PGA):
 PGA is biodegradable thermoplastic polyester characterized by aliphatic ester bond that
are responsible of its hydrolytic instability.
 The high crystallinity of PGA (45-55%) leads to remarkable mechanical properties.
 Carbonyl groups of PGA can be cleaved under hydrolytic or enzymatic conditions.
 PGA is fully biodegraded by the organism within 4 months but its mechanical properties
almost disappeared after 6 weeks.

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Poly Lactic Acid (PLA):
 PLA is a thermoplastic, high-strength, high-modulus polymer.
 Biomedical use of PLA can be limited by its hydrophobicity which is responsible of low
water sorption and thus relatively slow hydrolytic degradation.
 PLA mechanical properties remain quite high during the first months in physiologic
conditions.
 Compared to PGA, 10 months are needed to reach a full biodegradation in the case of PLA.

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Highly versatile thermoplastic polymer
Made 100% from renewable resources
Lactic Acid is derived from various sources( Corn- Sugar Beets- Wheat)
It is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks.

Preparation:

Properties:
 The PLA is a semi-crystalline polymer.
 Its glass transition temperature around 55 to 59°C and melting point is 174-184 ° C.
 It shows a good mechanical strength, high Young's modulus, thermal plasticity and has good
process ability
 It is biodegradable and biocompatible
 It is insoluble in water and soluble in chlorinated solvents, hot benzene, tetra hydro furan, and
dioxane.
Advantages :
 It is derived from renewable resources.
 It is biodegradable nature and used to make ecofriendly plastics.
 Degradation time is weeks or months depending on the conditions
 Emission of greenhouse gases during its production is lower.
 The solid waste generated during its production is very low to a decrease in overall solid
waste.
 Recyclable (can be converted back to monomer).

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 Applications:
 Single-use items like plates, cups, film wrap.
 Plastic bottling and fast-food companies.
 Textile industry.
 Paper coatings, Clothing fibers, Compost bags
 Medical implants such as sutures, screws, rods, pins and mesh have been made due to its
ability to degrade into nontoxic lactic acid and eliminating the need for further surgery.
 Polylactic acid injections for skin rejuvenation.

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