This slide set corresponds to the MaterialsConcepts YouTube video "Polymers Part 1- An Introduction". Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3dT1DX3Tsc To study the vocab used in this video, visit this site: http://quizlet.com/21161469/61-polymers-ia-concepts-terms-flash-cards/ This work was supported by NSF Grants #0836041 and #1226325.

1. Chapter 14: Polymer Structures –
Polymers I: Concept & Synthesis of Polymers
ISSUES TO ADDRESS...
• How are polymers synthesized?
• How can polymers be categorized?
• How do general structural & chemical characteristics of different
types of polymer molecules affect mechanical properties?
• What are some common polymers & how do they differ?
Class 17 – Chapter 14: Polymers I - Structure & Concept - Topic #6.1 1

2. What is a Polymer?
Poly mer
Many Units
repeat repeat repeat
unit unit unit
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
H H H H H H H Cl H Cl H Cl H CH3 H CH3 H CH3
Polyethylene (PE) Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) Polypropylene (PP)
2

3. What is the Geometry of a Polymer Chain?
C-­‐C
rota(ons
along
the
chain
give
the
polymer
molecule
a
loosely
coiled
string-­‐like
shape

4. What are Important Polymer Concepts & Terminology?

5. Polymer MW Effects on Properties – Melting Point
MW
of
Chain
=
n(DP)
*
MW
Monomer
What are the similarities and
differences of candles and
plastic milk containers?
Why does the Tm increase with
more C atoms in chain?
=
n(DP)/2
Candle
Container
n
(DP)
11
10,000
28(11)
=
1400
g/mol
28(10000)
=
28000
g/mol
MW
(g/mol)
Extended
15
nm
3100
nm
Chain
Length
Tm
(degrees
C)

6. Free Radical (Addition) Polymerization
– Initiation
– Propagation
– Termination
– Free Radical Initiator Benzoyl Peroxide
H H H
C O O C 2 C O =2R
H H H 6

7. Thermoplastic Addition Polymers - Vinyls
Semicrystalline
Semicrystalline
Amorphous
Amorphous