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Introduction to Polymer Engineering
 2
Classifications of Polymers

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By Origin
By Monomer
By Thermal Response
By Mode Of Formation
By Structure
By Application & Physical Properties
 3
Classifications of Polymers

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By
Origin

Semi-
Syntheti
Natural Syntheti
c
c
 4
Classifications of Polymers

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By Monomer

Homopolyme
Copolymer
r
 5
Classifications of Polymers

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By Thermal
Response

Thermoplasti
Thermosets
c
 6
Classifications of Polymers

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By Mode of
Formation

Addition Condensation
Polymerizatio Polymerizatio
n n
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Classifications of Polymers

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By
Structure

Crosslinke
Linear Branched
d
 8
Classifications of Polymers

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By
Applications

Paints and
Plastics Fibers Elastomers Adhesives
Coatings
Elastomers: These are rubber-like solids weak interaction forces are present. 9
For example, Rubber.
Fibres: Strong, tough, high tensile strength and strong forces of interaction

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are present. For example, nylon -6, 6.
Thermoplastics: These have intermediate forces of attraction. For example,
polyvinyl chloride.
Thermosetting polymers: These polymers greatly improve the material’s
mechanical properties. It provides enhanced chemical and heat resistance.
For example, phenolics, epoxies, and silicones.
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Classifications of Polymers

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By Carbon
backbone

Organic Inorganic
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Classifications of Polymers

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By
Morphology

Semi-
Crystalline Amorphous
Crystalline
 Recall: Periodic Table:
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Molecular Weight

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At the top of the cell for each element it will
commonly list the name of the element.

Next, you will normally find the atomic

number which is the number of electrons
present in the atom of the element.

The symbol for the element

g/ mol

Lastly the atomic weight of the element.

 Molecular Weight 13

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Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of the
atoms that make up the molecule.

Because of their extremely long molecules (8,000-10,000 mers long),

polymers can have extremely high molecular weights.
 Molecular Weight 14

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 Each monomer has a molecular weight (often called the
formula weight)
 Adding the monomers together to make polymers increases
the molecular weight
 The longer the chains, the higher the molecular weight
 Effect of Molecular Weight 15
Molecular Weight

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For example, let’s look at
hydrocarbons
 Very short chain hydrocarbons are
the predominant component of petrol
– liquid at room temperature
 Longer chain hydrocarbons are
present in various waxes such as
candle wax – soft, pliable and easy to
melt
 Polythene is a very long chain
hydrocarbon – tough, strong and
very resistant to heat and solvents
 Molecular Weight 16

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When we talk about molecular weight in terms of polymers, we
are really talking about the length of the individual chains.

The polymerization process is subject to variation so there is no

single chain length, there is actually a wide range of lengths,
so when we discuss molecular weight, we really mean the
average molecular weight of the material. This average is
found by measuring samples of the material as it is produced.
Average Molecular Weight 17

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Molecular weight of a polymer is defined as sum of the atomic
weight of each of the atoms in the molecules, which is present
in the polymer”
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Average Molecular Weight

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The molecules produced by polymerization reaction have chain
lengths that are distributed according to a probability function that
is governed by the polymerization mechanism and by the condition
prevailing during the process.
A concept of average molecular weight, therefore, assumes
importance and very much relevant.