Lecture 13

Structure of silica
and Polymers

Structure of Silica

Crystalline Silica

Amorphous Silica

Low coefficient of thermal expansion, piezoelectric

material

Tetrahedral bonds
Network Modification by addition of Soda

+ Na2O =

Na

Na

Modification leads to breaking of primary bonds

between silicate tetrahedra.
Lime (CaO) is also added for the same purpose

impurity

Bond breakage Viscocity

Easier will be movement

and hence the deformation

2 D representation of 3D random network of silicate

tetrahedra in the fused silica glass

Some Examples
Vycor: 96% SiO2, 4% B2O3: ST~ 1100 C
(can withstand high temperatures)
Pyrex: 80% SiO2, 14% B2O3, 4% Na2O: ST~
550 C (can withstand normal temperatures)

Window glass: 72% SiO2, 14% Na2O,

9% CaO, 4% MgO, 1% Al2O3: ST~ 120 C

Vycor
Window
glass

Pyrex

Polymers
Non crystalline solids

Poly = Many
Mer = Unit

Classification of Polymers
Arrangements of monomers in space
Linear polymer/chain polymer

Arrangement of monomers in curvilinear

fashion
Network polymers
Arrangement of monomers in cross network
i.e. in 3 dimensions

Classification of Polymers
Based on the behaviour with
temperature

Thermoplast
Thermosets:

Thermoplast
The polymers whose shape can be changed by the application
of heat and pressure is known as thermoplast.
Thermoplast: Long chain molecules held together by
secondary bonds
These soften on heating while harden on cooling
It can be easily pliable at high temperature, can be
reshaped easily
Examples: polyethylene, PVC (e.g. tubings, pipes, gramophone
record), PP (e.g. bumpers and dash boards of cars ), PMMA
(e.g. plexi glass, wind shield)

Which one of these two foods behaves

more like a thermoplastic??

Thermosets
3 dimensional network of primary bonds
With heat it becomes harden
Polymerization gets completed while heating which results in
hardened structure
They degrade before melting
Examples: Bakelite, Melamine, Araldite

Long chain polymers

Plastics: chains are placed in zig-zag manner, the bond along
the chain is strong covalent bond while the bond between the
chain is weak Vander Wall type
Fibres: chains of different lengths are aligned parallel to
one and other, the bond along the chain is strong covalent
while the bond between the chain is weak hydrogen type.
Very strong along the axis of fibers.
Elastomers: Long chain polymers with few cross links across
the chains. Importantly the cross links are of primary bond
between chains. Chains have translation mobility at RT .

Examples of Long Chain Polymers

Plastics bag

Plastics

Nylon
Fibre

Tyre
Elastomer

Plastics

Structure of Long Chain Polymers

Degree of Polymerization:
No. of repeating monomers in a chain

On the basis of monomer unit other plastics

can be described

Monomer Unit
Side groups can be labelled as R1, R2, R3 and R4

Common Plastics
Name

R1 R2

R3

R4

Uses

PE

Containers, bags

PVC*

Cl

Piping's, tubing

PP

CH3

PMMA

CH3

COOCH3

Dash boards, bumpers

of cars, buckets
Plexiglass, window
pane

Polystyrene H

C6H5

PTFE

Styrofoam, packaging
material
Sliding and rotating
bearings

* Plasticisers are often added to make it soft

Common Plastics