Polymers - Classification of polymers

• Based on mechanical behavior
• Example: Thermoplastic polymers, Thermosetting polymers, Elastomers

Thermoplastic Polymers

• Definition: Polymers that can be melted and reformed multiple times through heating and cooling
• Example: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Thermosetting Polymers

• Definition: Polymers that irreversibly harden upon heating and cannot be re-melted or reformed
• Example: Epoxy resin, Phenolic resin, Melamine

Elastomers

• Definition: Polymers with high elasticity and can be stretched and returned to their original shape
• Example: Natural rubber, Silicone rubber, Neoprene

Polymers - Classification of polymers

• Based on synthesis method
• Example: Addition polymers, Condensation polymers, Copolymers

Addition Polymers

• Definition: Polymers formed by the addition of monomers without the elimination of any byproduct
• Example: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Condensation Polymers

• Definition: Polymers produced by the condensation reaction between two different monomers with elimination of a small molecule (e.g., water)
• Example: Polyamides (Nylons), Polyesters, Polyurethanes

Copolymers

• Definition: Polymers formed by the polymerization of two or more different monomers
• Example: Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

Polymers - Classification of polymers

• Based on molecular forces
• Example: Elastomers, Fibers, Plastics

Elastomers

• Definition: Polymers with weak intermolecular forces, resulting in high elasticity
• Example: Natural rubber, Silicone rubber, Neoprene, Polyurethane elastomers

Polymer Classification: Based on mechanical behavior

• Polymers can be classified based on their mechanical behavior
• This classification helps us understand their properties and applications
• Three main categories are: Thermoplastic polymers, Thermosetting polymers, Elastomers

Thermoplastic Polymers

• Definition: Polymers that can be melted and reformed multiple times
• Molecular chains are held together by weak intermolecular forces
• Examples: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Thermosetting Polymers

• Definition: Polymers that irreversibly harden upon heating
• Molecular chains are cross-linked through covalent bonds
• Cannot be re-melted or reformed
• Examples: Epoxy resin, Phenolic resin, Melamine

Elastomers

• Definition: Polymers with high elasticity and can be stretched and returned to their original shape.
• Molecular chains exhibit a high degree of flexibility
• Examples: Natural rubber, Silicone rubber, Neoprene

Polymer Classification: Based on synthesis method

• Polymers can also be classified based on the method of synthesis
• This categorization helps us understand their formation and structure
• Three main categories: Addition Polymers, Condensation Polymers, Copolymers

Addition Polymers

• Definition: Polymers formed by the addition of monomers without the elimination of any byproduct
• Monomers simply add together to form longer polymer chains
• Examples: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Condensation Polymers

• Definition: Polymers produced by a condensation reaction between two different monomers
• Small molecules (usually water) are eliminated as byproducts
• Examples: Polyamides (Nylons), Polyesters, Polyurethanes

Copolymers

• Definition: Polymers formed by the polymerization of two or more different monomers
• Monomers can be alternating, random, or block copolymers
• Examples: Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

Polymer Classification: Based on molecular forces

• Polymers can also be classified based on the nature of intermolecular forces
• This classification helps us understand their physical properties
• Three main categories: Elastomers, Fibers, Plastics

Elastomers

• Definition: Polymers with weak intermolecular forces, resulting in high elasticity
• Molecular chains can be easily stretched and return to their original shape
• Examples: Natural rubber, Silicone rubber, Neoprene, Polyurethane elastomers

Polymers - Classification of polymers

• Based on mechanical behavior
• Example: Thermoplastic polymers, Thermosetting polymers, Elastomers

Thermoplastic Polymers

• Definition: Polymers that can be melted and reformed multiple times through heating and cooling
• Examples:
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Thermosetting Polymers

• Definition: Polymers that irreversibly harden upon heating and cannot be re-melted or reformed
• Examples:
  • Epoxy resin
  • Phenolic resin
  • Melamine

Elastomers

• Definition: Polymers with high elasticity and can be stretched and returned to their original shape
• Examples:
  • Natural rubber
  • Silicone rubber
  • Neoprene

Polymers - Classification of polymers

• Based on synthesis method
• Examples: Addition polymers, Condensation polymers, Copolymers

Addition Polymers

• Definition: Polymers formed by the addition of monomers without the elimination of any byproduct
• Examples:
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Condensation Polymers

• Definition: Polymers produced by the condensation reaction between two different monomers with elimination of a small molecule (e.g., water)
• Examples:
  • Polyamides (Nylons)
  • Polyesters
  • Polyurethanes

Copolymers

• Definition: Polymers formed by the polymerization of two or more different monomers
• Examples:
  • Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)
  • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
  • Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

Polymers - Classification of polymers

• Based on molecular forces
• Examples: Elastomers, Fibers, Plastics

Elastomers

• Definition: Polymers with weak intermolecular forces, resulting in high elasticity
• Examples:
  • Natural rubber
  • Silicone rubber
  • Neoprene
  • Polyurethane elastomers