ASSIGNMENT IN CHE 506

ARAOJO, JOHN CARLO A. CH51FC1

LINEAR POLYMERS

The simplest polymer is a linear polymer. A linear polymer is simply a chain in which all of the monomers
exist in a single line. An example of a linear polymer is Teflon, which is made from tetrafluoroethylene. It
is a single strand of units made from two carbon atoms and four fluorine atoms. When formed, these
linear polymers can create strands of fibers or form a mesh that can be very strong and hard to break
through.

Linear Chain

The chains when heated can flow easily this is a good example of the chain of a thermoplastic.
Properties often associated with this type of chain are a weak material, ductile with a low density and
melting point.

LINEAR POLYETHYLENE

One way to produce linear polymer is called "free radical polymerization." As in other polymerizations,
the process has three stages, known as initiation, propagation and termination. To begin, we need to
add a catalyst to our supply of ethylene. A common catalyst is benzoyl peroxide, which when heated has
the habit of splitting into two fragments, each with one unpaired electron, or free radical. These
fragments are known as initiator fragments.

BRANCHED POLYMERS

Branched polymers occur when groups of units branch off from the long polymer chain. These branches
are known as side chains and can also be very long groups of repeating structures. Branching polymers
can be further categorized by how they branch off from the main chain. Polymers with many branches
are known as dendrimers, and these molecules can form a webbing when cooled. This can make the
polymer strong in the ideal temperature range. However, when heated, both linear and branched
polymers soften as the temperature vibration overcomes the attractive forces between the molecules.
Branched Chain

Branched chains will not flow as easily when heated they will have a higher melting point than linear
chains and typically have the properties of a slightly less ductile material (stronger and stiffer).
CROSS-LINKED POLYMERS

An additional type of polymer is known as the cross-linked polymer. This polymer forms long chains,
either branched or linear, that can form covalent bonds between the polymer molecules. Because cross-
linked polymers form covalent bonds that are much stronger than the intermolecular forces that attract
other polymer chains, the result is a stronger and more stable material. An example of this is when
natural rubber is vulcanized, which means it is heated so the sulfur molecules in the rubber polymer
chains form covalent bonds with each other. This difference in strength is noticeable when you compare
the stiffness, rigidity and durability of a car tire with that of a rubber band.

Cross Linked

The Cross linked bonding retains its shape when heated and is a good example of the bonding found in
thermo set plastics. These also have a higher melting point than linear and branched bonds, they are
usually a harder material but also more brittle.

The two main types of polymers are thermo sets and thermo plastics. Thermo plastics can be re-shaped
after heating whereas thermo sets cannot. Thermo plastics have the benefit of being recyclable and
generally cheaper and easier to process than thermo set plastics.