Introduction to Polymers

Agenda 2

Where are polymers used?

Macromolecular structure
Classification of polymers
Properties of polymers
Conclusions
Where are Polymers Used? 3

Polycarbonate
(PC)

Polybutadiene
(PB)

Where are Polymers Used? 4

Polystyrene
(PS)

Polyvinylchloride
(PVC)

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone
(PVP)
Agenda 5

Where are polymers used?

Macromolecular structure
Classification of polymers
Properties of polymers
Conclusions

Macromolecular Structure 6

Topology

Linear Branched

Composition

Homopolymer block random graft copolymer

Functionality
X X Y
Macromolecular Structure 7

Polymerization is classified into two main categories:

Addition polymerization is when the repeating unit of the polymer has the same number
of atoms as the original monomers
(radical or ionic polymerization)

n(A-B) (A-B)n

Condensation polymerization has fewer atoms in the repeating unit compared to the
original monomer because it gives off by-products, such as water, during the
polymerization process, example:

Ethyleneglycol + Terephthalic acid PET + H2O

Macromolecular Structure 8

What are Copolymers ?

Alternating copolymers: the two monomers are arranged in an alternating fashion

-A-B-A-B-A-B-A-B-A-B-

random copolymer: the two monomers may follow in any order

-A-A-B-A-B-B-B-A-B-A-A-B-

block copolymer: the monomers are grouped together

-B-B-B-A-A-A-A-A--B-B-B-B-B-A-A-A-
Agenda 9

Where are polymers used?

Macromolecular structure
Classification of polymers
Properties of polymers
Conclusions

Classification of Polymers 10

Thermoplastic polymers:

These are linear, one-dimensional polymers which have strong intramolecular covalent
bonds and weak intermolecular Van-der-Waals bonds
The weak bonds allow the melting and reshaping of thermoplastics
They are capable to flow at elevated temperatures, can be remolded into different forms,
and in general, are dissolvable
Commonly used thermoplastics are polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene,
poly(vinyl chloride) and polyamide

Refer to „TA applications booklet THERMOPLASTICS“

Classification of Polymers 11

Thermosetting polymers:

The polymer chains are cross-linked by covalent bond in a process called curing
Remolding by melting or by dissolving in a solvent after cross-linking is not possible
Thermosets are usually supplied as partially polymerized (prepreg) or as monomer-
polymer mixtures
Curing is induced by temperature, mixing of reactants and irradiation
Important thermosets include phenolics, ureas, melamines, epoxies, polyesters, silicones,
rubbers, and polyurethanes

Classification of Polymers 12

What is Cross-Linking?

Curing

Reactive resin system Thermoset

Sx Sx
Vulcanization
Sx

Linear polymer Elastomer

Classification of Polymers 13

Rubbers and Elastomers:

Rubber is the generic term for any elastomer

Elastomer is a polymer that exhibit high elastic or viscoelastic deformation (more than
100% and full recovery)
Natural rubber and butadiene polymers are cross-linked usually with sulfur (vulcanization)
They are usually compounded with carbon black to reinforce and toughen the material
Important elastomers include chloroprene-, isoprene-, styrene-butadiene-, ethylene-
propylene-, acronitrile-butadiene

Classification of Polymers 14

Rubber Elastomer

S
S
S S

Elastomers are vulcanized (cross linked) rubbers

Rubber can be processed like a thermoplastic material. After vulcanization the

elastomer cannot be further processed thermally. It is mostly an amorphous
material.
Agenda 15

Where are polymers used?

Macromolecular structure
Classification of polymers
Properties of polymers
Conclusions

Properties: Physical Structure 16

amorphous

chain-folded
lamella

semicrystalline
rigid amorphous

mobile amorphous
Properties: Thermal Transitions 17

Glass transition
Temperature range in which an amorphous polymer transforms from the solid glassy state
to the liquid state without structural change
Tg is a characteristic temperature

Melting
temperature range in which an crystalline polymer transforms from the solid (crystalline)
state to the liquid state with structural change
Tm is a characteristic temperature

Properties: Mechanical Behavior 18

Strain – Stress Diagram

: rupture

Steel
Stress

Thermoplastics

Elastomers

Strain
 Overview of Properties 19

Thermal Analysis Event/Property DSC TGA TMA DMA

Glass Transition
Softening
Melting and Crystallization
Evaporation, Desorption
Composition
Filler Content
Filler Activity
Carbon Black Influences
Thermal Stability/ Decomposition
Oxidation Resistance
Visco-elastic Behavior
Young’s Modulus
Damping Behavior
Expansion, Shrinkage
Swelling in Solvents
Heat of Reaction
Vulcanization
main analysis technique: secondary technique:

Agenda 20

Definition and history

Where are polymers used?
Macromolecular structure
Classification of polymers
Properties of polymers
Conclusions
Conclusion 21

Polymers are designed for specific properties and functions

- These specific properties have to be characterized
Most polymers are not “pure”, but
are blended, filled, reinforced, mixed
and have additives, colors, stabilizers and many more components
- Modern polymers are complex materials
Polymers are synthetic or biopolymer based
Polymers are used in all industries from
- Tablet coatings to cement conditioners
- Construction materials to adhesives
- And infinite more . . . . . .
Polymers are the main domain of TA investigations

Conclusion 22

How would our world look like without the polymers?