The document presents an overview of polymers, defining them as large molecules composed of repeating subunits called monomers formed through polymerization. It details the classifications of polymers based on origin, monomer type, thermal response, formation mode, structure, and biodegradability. Additionally, it discusses the characteristics of ideal polymers and highlights the importance of properties and modifications for various applications.

1. POLYMERS
&
IT’S CLASSIFICATIONS
Presented by
DIVYA MARIAM JOHN

2. CONTENT
 INTRODUCTION
 POLYMERIZATION
 CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL POLYMER
 CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMER
1. By Origin
2. By Monomer
3. By Thermal Response
4. By Mode of Formation

3. 5. By Structure
6. By Biodegradability
 OTHER PARAMETERS OF CLASSIFICATION
 CONCLUSION
 REFERENCE

4. INTRODUCTION
 POLYMER - ancient Greek word “polus”, means “many, much” & “meros”,
meaning “parts”.
 The term was coined in 1833 by Jons Jacob Berzelius.
 Definition - Polymer is a large molecule(macromolecules) composed of
many repeated subunits, known as Monomer.
 The process of formation of polymer is called Polymerization.
 Polymer is used as a synonym for plastic.

5.  All plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastics.
N(CH₂-CH₂) (-CH₂-CH₂-)s
Ethylene Polyethylene
 Have unique properties, depending on the type of molecules being bonded and
how they are bonded.

6. POLYMERIZATION
 Polymerization The process by which the monomer molecules linked
to form a big polymer chain.
 Three main steps:
 Initiation - An initiator is required to start reaction
 Propagation - The chain is propagated to form a long chain
 Termination - Reacts with another radicle species to stop the reaction

7. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL POLYMER
 Should be versatile & possess a wide range of mechanical, physical, chemical properties.
 Should be non-toxic & have good mechanical strength & should be easily administered.
 Should be inexpensive.
 Should be easy to fabricate.
 Should be inert to host tissue and compatible with environment.

8. CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS
1. By Origin
2. By Monomer
3. By Thermal response
4. By Mode of formation
5. By Structure
6. By Biodegradability

9. a) Naturally occurring Polymer isolated from natural material.
E.g. Silk, Wool, Natural Rubber, Cellulose, Starch, Protein etc.
1. BY ORIGIN
Cotton
Natural Rubber

10. b) Synthetic or Man-made Polymer synthesized in laboratory from low
molecular weight compound.
E.g. Nylon, Teflon, Synthetic rubber, Bakelite etc.
Teflon tape Nylon

11. c) Semi-synthetic polymer Polymers obtained by simple chemical
treatment of natural polymers to improve their physical properties.
E.g. Cellulose acetate(rayon), Cellulose nitrate, valcanised rubber
Film made of Cellulose
nitrate
Cellulose acetate(rayon)

12. 2. BY MONOMER
a) Homopolymer Polymer with only one type of monomer unit.
Eg: polyethylene, PVC, Polypropylene, Nylon 6
b) Copolymer Polymer with two different types of monomer units.
Eg: Nylon 6,6

13. Products made of Nylon 6,6 -
a Copolymer
PVC - Homopolymer

14. 3. BY THERMAL RESPONSE
a) Thermoplastics Polymer that soften on heating & hard on cooling.
Eg: Polyethylene, PVC, Sealing wax
b) Thermosetting plastics Polymer that become an infusible & insoluble
mass on heating.
polyethylene Example of thermosetting plastics

15. a) Addition polymer Polymers formed by addition of monomers
repeatedly without removal of by products.
Eg: Teflon, PVC, polypropylene
4. BY MODE OF FORMATION
Polypropylene
Bottles made of Polypropylene

16. b) Condensation polymer Polymers formed by the combination of two
monomers by removal of small molecules like H₂O, alcohol or NH₃
E.g. Nylons, Polyesters(PET)
Nylon rope Polyester silk

17. a) Linear polymer Monomers are linked with each other to form a long
straight chain & has no side chains.
Eg: High Density Polyethylene(HDPE), Nylons
5. BY STRUCTURE
HDPE products
HDPE

18. b) Branched polymer Long straight polymer chain with different side
chains & are irregularly packed.
Eg: Low Density Polyethylene(LDPE), Linear Low Density Polyethylene
(LLDPE)
LDPE LLDPE

19. c) Cross-linked polymer Monomeric units linked together to constitute a
3D network.
 Hard, rigid & Brittle due to network structure.
E.g.: Bakelite, Melamine, Formaldehyde resins
The body of phone is
made of Bakelite
Products made of
Melamine

20. d) Network polymer A cross-linked polymer with numerous interconnections
between chains.
E.g.: Epoxies, Phenol- formaldehyde polymers(Bakelite)
Epoxy resin & uses
Phenol-formaldehyde
resin

21. Classification of polymer based on structure

22. a) Biodegradable polymers Polymer that breaks down after its intended
purpose by bacterial decomposition to gases, biomass, inorganic salt & water.
Eg: Collagen ,Polyglycolic acid etc.,
6. BY BIODEGRADABILITY
Structure of collagen
Polyglycolic acid suture used in
medical fields

23. Cycle of biodegradable polymers

24. b) Non-biodegradable polymer Polymers that does not get break down
by bacterial decomposition.
Eg: PVC, Polyesters etc.,
Structure of PVC Uses of PVC

25. 7. By Crystallinity
a) Crystalline Monomers arranged in ordered way.
b) Amorphous Monomers arranged in random way.
8. By Backbone Atom
a) Organic Polymer Backbone is made-up of carbon atom.
b) Inorganic Polymer Backbone is made-up of other atom.
OTHER PARAMETERS OF CLASSIFICATION

26. CONCLUSION
 Polymer is a large chain of monomer units joined together by the process of
polymerization.
 Polymers are very rarely used in pure form.
 Modifications are carried out to improve the properties of the polymers.
 Depending upon the use modifications are done in order to meet the requirements of day
today life.
 Polymers are classified on the bases of origin, structure, types monomer, mode of
formation, degradability etc.,
 Other parameters of classification include by crystallinity & back bone atom

27. REFERENCES
1. File:///D:/polymerization/polymers.htm
2. File:///D:/polymerization/synthesis.htm
3. Devansh Gupta “classification of polymers” LinkedIn learning
4. Varshaawasar,”Polymer: preparation & uses” LinkedIn Learning
5. byjus.com /“Polymers- Classification, types & properties”
6. Lifescience.com/ What is polymer?/polymers.htm
7. Sirin Mhiri, Majdi Abid ”Thermally reversible and Biodegradable polymers” European Polymer Journal , Science Direct.
8. Elias H-G. “An Introduction to Polymer Science”. Weinheim: VCH;1997.
9. Britannica Articles: “Life: Production of polymers”.
10. Jerome David Odom, “Inorganic Polymer”. Britannica .