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Chemistry · Ch 15 — Polymers

Polymers of Commercial Importance

15.5

Polymers of Commercial Importance

A quick reference table

Beyond the polymers already covered chapter by chapter, several other polymers are important enough commercially that it's worth knowing their monomer, repeating structure, and typical uses side by side.

Name of PolymerMonomer(s)StructureUses
PolypropenePropene−(CH2−CH(CH3))−n-(CH_2{-}CH(CH_3))-_nRopes, toys, pipes, fibres
PolystyreneStyrene−(CH2−CH(C6H5))−n-(CH_2{-}CH(C_6H_5))-_nInsulator, wrapping material, toys, radio/TV cabinets
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Vinyl chloride−(CH2−CH(Cl))−n-(CH_2{-}CH(Cl))-_nRaincoats, handbags, vinyl flooring, water pipes
Urea–formaldehyde resinUrea + formaldehyde−(NH−CO−NH−CH2)−n-(NH{-}CO{-}NH{-}CH_2)-_nUnbreakable cups, laminated sheets
GlyptalEthylene glycol + phthalic acid−(O−CH2−CH2−OOC−C6H4−CO)−n-(O{-}CH_2{-}CH_2{-}OOC{-}C_6H_4{-}CO)-_nPaints and lacquers
BakelitePhenol + formaldehyde−(C6H3(OH)−CH2)−n-(C_6H_3(OH){-}CH_2)-_nCombs, electrical switches, utensil handles, computer discs

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Table 15.1Some Other Commercially Important Polymers
Name of PolymerMonomerStructureUses
PolypropenePropene-(-CH2-CH(CH3)-)-nManufacture of ropes, toys, pipes, fibres, etc.
PolystyreneStyrene-(-CH2-CH(C6H5)-)-nAs insulator, wrapping material, manufacture of toys, radio and television cabinets.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Vinyl chloride-(-CH2-CH(Cl)-)-nManufacture of rain coats, hand bags, vinyl flooring, water pipes.
Urea-formaldehyde Resin(a) Urea (b) Formaldehyde-(-NH-CO-NH-CH2-)-nFor making unbreakable cups and laminated sheets.
Glyptal(a) Ethylene glycol (b) Phthalic acid-(-O-CH2-CH2-OOC-C6H4-CO-)-nManufacture of paints and lacquers.
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← Previous · 15.4Biodegradable PolymersNext →15.1 — Explain the terms polymer and monomer.