Polymer - what is it? Manufacture of polymers

It's amazing how diverse the objects and materials surrounding us are from which they are made. Earlier, around the XV-XVI centuries, the main materials were metals and wood, a little later glass, almost at all times porcelain and faience. But today's age is the time of polymers, which will be discussed later.

The concept of polymers

Polymer. What it is? You can answer from different points of view. On the one hand, it is a modern material used to make a variety of household and technical items.

On the other hand, it can be said that this is a specially synthesized synthetic substance obtained with predetermined properties for use in a broad specialization.

Each of these definitions is correct, only the first in terms of household, and the second - in terms of chemical. Another chemical definition is the following. Polymers are macromolecular compounds, which are based on short sections of the molecule chain-monomers. They are repeated many times, forming a macro chain of a polymer. Monomers can be either organic or inorganic compounds.

Therefore, the question: "polymer - what is it?" - requires a detailed answer and consideration of all properties and areas of application of these substances.

Types of polymers

There are many classifications of polymers on various grounds (chemical nature, heat resistance, chain structure and so on). In the table below, we briefly review the main types of polymers.

Also distinguish polymers of linear, mesh and branched structure. The basis of polymers allows them to be thermoplastic or thermoset. They also differ in their ability to deform under normal conditions.

Physical properties of polymer materials

The main two aggregate states, characteristic for polymers, are:

• Amorphous;
• Crystalline.

Each is characterized by its own set of properties and is of great practical importance. For example, if the polymer exists in an amorphous state, it can be a viscous liquid, a glassy substance and a highly elastic compound (rubbers). This finds wide application in the chemical industries, construction, engineering, production of industrial goods.

The crystalline state of the polymers is quite conditional. In fact, this state is interleaved with amorphous sections of the chain, and in general the whole molecule is very convenient for obtaining elastic, but at the same time high-strength and hard fibers.

The melting points for polymers are different. Many amorphous melts at room temperature, and some synthetic crystals withstand fairly high temperatures (plexiglas, fiberglass, polyurethane, polypropylene).

Polymers can be colored in a variety of colors, without restrictions. Due to their structure, they are able to absorb paint and acquire the most vivid and unusual shades.

Chemical properties of polymers

The chemical properties of polymers differ from those of low molecular weight substances. This is explained by the size of the molecule, the presence of various functional groupings in its composition, the total reserve of activation energy.

In general, several basic types of reactions characteristic of polymers can be distinguished:

1. Reactions that will be determined by the functional group. That is, if the OH group is part of the polymer, characteristic for alcohols, then the reactions to which they will join will be identical with those of alcohols (dehydration, oxidation, reduction, dehydrogenation, etc.).
2. Interaction with NMS (low-molecular compounds).
3. Reactions of polymers with each other to form crosslinked networks of macromolecules (reticular polymers, branched).
4. Reactions between functional groups within a single macromolecule of the polymer.
5. The decomposition of the macromolecule into monomers (chain destruction).

All of these reactions are of great importance in practice for the preparation of polymers with predefined and human-friendly properties. The chemistry of polymers allows the creation of heat-resistant, acid and alkali-resistant materials, which at the same time have sufficient elasticity and stability.

The use of polymers in everyday life

The application of these compounds is ubiquitous. It is not enough to recall the areas of industry, the national economy, science and technology, in which the polymer would not be needed. What is it - polymer economy and universal application, and how is it exhausted?

1. Chemical industry (production of plastics, tannins, synthesis of the most important organic compounds).
2. Mechanical engineering, aircraft construction, oil refineries.
3. Medicine and pharmacology.
4. Obtaining dyes and explosives, pesticides and herbicides, agricultural insecticides.
5. Construction industry (alloying of steel, sound and heat insulation structures, building materials).
6. Manufacture of toys, dishes, pipes, windows, household items and household utensils.

The chemistry of polymers allows us to obtain newer and newer materials that are completely universal in terms of properties, which are equal neither to metals, nor to wood or glass.

Examples of products made of polymer materials

Before you name specific products from polymers (they can not be enumerated all, too much of their variety), first you need to understand what the polymer gives. The material that is obtained from the IUD, and will be the basis for future products.

The main materials made of polymers are:

• Plastics;
• Polypropylene;
• Polyurethanes;
• Polystyrenes;
• Polyacrylates;
• Phenol-formaldehyde resins;
• Epoxy resins;
• Caprices;
• Viscose;
• Nylons;
• Polyester fibers ;
• Glues;
• Films;
• Tannins and others.

This is only a small list of the variety that modern chemistry offers. Well, here it becomes clear which items and products are made of polymers - almost any household items, medicine and other areas (plastic windows, pipes, utensils, tools, furniture, toys, films, etc.).

Polymers in various branches of science and technology

We have already touched on the question of where the polymers are applied. Examples that show their importance in science and technology can be summarized as follows:

• Application of rubber;
• Antistatic coatings;
• Electromagnetic screens;
• Housings of almost all household appliances;
• Transistors;
• LEDs and so on.

There are no limitations of imagination on the use of polymeric materials in the modern world.

Manufacture of polymers

Polymer. What it is? This is almost everything that surrounds us. Where are they produced?

1. Petrochemical (oil refining) industry.
2. Special plants for the production of polymer materials and products from them.

These are the main bases on which to base (synthesize) polymer materials.