Polymers Questions

1. Compare Between A. Homo-polymer, Copolymer, Ter-polymer Homo-polymer Polymer containing a single repeat unit, polymerizing only one kind of monomer A Copolymer A mixture of two monomers. 1. Alternating copolymer 2. Random copolymer 3. Block copolymer 4. Graft copolymer Ter-polymer A polymer composed of three different monomers

B. Linear, Branched, Cross-linked Polymers. Linear a straight chain species, the units are connected to each other in a chain arrangement Branched The chain contains branching but no crosslinking Cross-linked Network structure; the polymer chains are joined chemically at tie points.

C. Configuration and Conformation. Configuration Arrangement fixed by the chemical bonding in the molecule such as cis- and trans- isomers. The configuration of a polymer cannot be altered unless chemical bonds are broken. 1. Isotactic All the groups may lie on the same side of the plane formed by the extendedchain backbone. 2. Syndiotactic The substituent groups regularly alternate from one side of the plane to the other Conformation Arrangement arising from the rotation about a single bond. The conformation of a polymer can be altered without breaking a chemical bond.

3. Atactic The groups have no preferred placement

D. Crystalline and Amorphous Crystalline Polymers having simple backbones, tend to be flexible and fold up to form very tightly packed and ordered areas called crystals Amorphous Polymers with bulkier molecular chains or large branches or functional groups tend to be stiffer and will not fold up tight enough to form crystals.

Time and temperature influence the degree of crystallinity Have higher shrinkage generally opaque or translucent good to excellent chemical resistance low friction good to excellent wear resistance Ex: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Nylons, Polyvinyl chloride, most Thermoplastic Polyesters.

No crystallinity Have low shrinkage good transparency average to poor chemical resistance high friction average to low wear resistance gradual softening when heated (no melting point) Ex: Polystyrene, Polycarbonate, Acrylic, ABS, SAN.

E. Thermoplastic and Thermoset Thermoplastic Fully polymerized in their raw state (as supplied). No chemical reaction involved in processing. Application of heat will result in softening or melting. Cooling of the material returns it to its former solid state, this cycle is reversible and can be repeated many times. Made up of molecules that are entangled Thermoset Not fully polymerized in their raw state. They undergo a chemical as well as a phase change when they are heated. Once heated and formed (cured) they cannot be reprocessed. Reapplication of heat will only degrade the resin. Molecules form a threedimensional cross-linked network

Either linear or branched; amorphous or crystalline Used in much higher volumes (88%)

They are all amorphous polymers. Used in lower volumes (12%)

F. Commodity, Engineering, High Performance Polymers Commodity Relatively low physical properties Low strength and thermal resistance. limited product life low cost Consumer products disposable High volume production. Ex: PE, PS, PP Engineering Properties towards the high end of the spectrum High Strength and thermal resistance. long life expectancy Their price may range from two to ten times as much as a commodity polymer Used in applications requiring wear resistance, long life expectancy, flame resistance, and the ability to endure cyclic stress loading. Ex: PC, POM, PBT High Performance properties are at the highest end of the spectrum Very high strength and thermal resistance. Very expensive, priced above most engineering polymers. Used in high temperature, high stress applications, in harsh environments. Low to medium volume production. Ex: PEEK, PEI, LCP

2. Solve the Following Problems

Solution

3. Draw simplified figure of x-ray diffraction identifying each region, and sketch a figure for the morphology of semi crystalline corresponding to each region.

4. What is meant by Morphology and what is the basic units of crystalline polymers? Morphology Polymer's physical form and characteristic textural features. Basic units Crystalline lamellae (arrays of folded chains)

5. Explain Dilatometry using sketch

6. Explain Calirometry using Sketch Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

7. What is thermal transition (1st & 2nd order) -Transition is change of state due to change in T and/or P - First order transition discontinuity in the first derivative of the Gibbs free energy (G) Absorption or generation of heat (melting, vaporization, )

( )T=V

-Second-order transition Discontinuity occurs in the second derivative of the free energy. Volume & enthalpy vary smoothly with T (glass transition, gamma or rubber transition)

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8. Phase Transition in Polymers Transition from one phase to another: Change in mutual arrangement of molecules Change in the thermodynamics properties of the polymer First Order Absorption or generation of heat (melting, vaporization, ) Second Order Volume & enthalpy vary smoothly with T (glass transition, gamma or rubber transition)

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9. Classification of composites

10. Define composites and state their properties A Composite is considered to be any Multiphase Material that exhibits a significant proportion of the properties of both constituent phases such that a Better Combination of properties is realized. The acceptable composite material includes: 1. It consists of two or more physically distinct and mechanically separable materials. 2. It can be made by controlled mixing the separate materials to achieve optimum properties. 3. The properties are superior, and possibly unique to the properties of the individual components. Composite materials are composed of two phases; 1. Matrix, which is continuous and surrounds the other phase. 2. Reinforcement (Dispersed phase)

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11. Discuss reinforcements characteristics They are The load carrying element of the composite. A good one has the following attributes: It is stiffer and stronger than the polymer matrix It had good particle size, shape and surface character for effective mechanical coupling to the matrix It preserves the desirable qualities of the polymer matrix. 12. Mention one type of manufacturing process for composite with drawing Filament winding is a process by which continuous reinforcing fibers are accurately positioned in a predetermined pattern to form a hollow (usually cylindrical) shape. The fibers are first fed through a resin bath and then are continuously wound onto a mandrel, usually using automated winding equipment. Various winding patterns are possible (i.e., circumferential, helical, and polar) to give the desired mechanical characteristics After the appropriate number of layers have been applied, curing is carried out either in an oven or at room temperature, after which the mandrel is removed

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13. Discuss briefly most important types of reinforcement (only 2 types of the 3 below) 1. Glass fibers They are the most widely used fiber reinforcement for polymers. They have excellent balance of moderate price and desirable properties as reinforcements. Examples of glass fibers : E glass (E for electrical grade glass) C glass (C for Chemical corrosion resistance glass) S glass (S for high strength glass ) Advantages : 1. Resistance to high temperatures ; the softening point is about 850C. 2. Transparency to visible light ; a composite therefore takes the color of the matrix. Disadvantage: 1. Glass is very susceptible to surface damage (can be protected by coating processing and after incorporation in the matrix.) 2. Carbon fibers Carbon fiber is a high-performance; has the highest specific modulus and specific strength of all reinforcing fiber materials. The best carbon fibers are prepared from polyacrylonitile (PAN). Which is then converted to graphite Advantages:
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1. Inert at room temperature. 2. Fiber and composite manufacturing processes have been developed that are relatively inexpensive and cost effective. Disadvantage : 1. Its Black color that is imparted on the composite 3. Organic fibers (Aramid) These are the aramid polymers, so-called because they contain both aromatic and amide groups in the molecular chain. Kevlar fibers (29 and 49) are the most widely used aramid fibers for reinforcement. Advantages: outstanding mechanical (low density and high strength) Disadvantage: Weakness in shear, Yellow coloration, it imparts this color to its composites.

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