ROLE OF POLYMERS IN DAY

TO DAY LIFE
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
POLYMER-DEFINITION
TYPES OF POLYMER
APPLICATIONS OF POLYMERS

INTRODUCTION
Polymers are finding increased applications in every
sphere of life.
The word polymer is coined from two greek words:
poly means many and mer means unit or part.
Polymers have existed in natural forms since life
began and those such as dna, rna, protein, etc.,
In eighteenth century, Thomas Hancock modified
natural rubber through blending with ceatrain
additives.
Later on, Charles Goodyear improved the properties of
natural rubber through vulcanization process.

DEFINITION
Polymers are giant molecules of higher molecular
weights, called macromolecules, which are build by
linking together of a large number of small molecules
The reaction by which the monomer combines to form
polymer is called as polymerisation

Courtesy: Google images

TYPES OF POLYMERS
Polymer is a generic name given to a vast number of
materials of higher molecular weight
Polymers have different chemical structure, physical
property, mechanical behavior, thermal characteristics ,
etc.,
On the basis of above mentioned properties polymers
can be classified in different ways as follows:

 NATURAL POLYMERS
The polymers which occur in nature are called
as natural polymers or bio polymers
Eg: starch, cellulose, natural rubbers, etc.,

This is a structure of starch made of

ylaseand amylopectin molecules.

Courtesy: Google images

 SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
The polymers which has been synthesized
in the laboratory is known as synthetic
polymers.They are also called as man made
polymers
Eg:poly styrene, polyethyelene, etc.,

Courtesy: Google images

 Beside those polymers there are many types of

polymers based on their mechanical behaviour,
thermal response, etc.,
Thermosetting polymers
Thermoplastic polymers
Based on structure
Linear polymers
Branched polymers
Cross linked polymers

APPLICATIONS OF POLYMERS
Polymers are everywhere
Now a days, polymers play an important role in all
fields
It had lead to a situation that without polymers
nothing is possible
They are all around us everywhere
Now we shall discuss about the applications of
polymers in various fields

FOOD PRESERVATION

In todays world preservation of food is done all

around in hotels, super markets, even in our house

Generally, we use containers to store food in our

house which are mostly made of plastics so called
polymers
EG: POLYETHYLENE,
POLYPROPYLENES,
POLYSTYRENE,
POLYETHYLENE
Courtesy: Google images

TEREPHTHALATE.

 In super markets foods are packed using plastic

containers inorder to keep the product clean, provide
barrier against contaminants, provide protection and
convinience
in
handling
during
transportation,
distribution and marketing

Courtesy: Google images

Acceptable Polymers For Foo Packaging Are

VINYL
ACETATES,
POLY
AMIDES,
CARBONATES, POLYETHYLENE, etc.,

POLY
POLY

 Polyvinylidene chloride coated polypropylene is

mainly used in packing snack foods, confectionery, ice
creams, biscuits, chocolates, etc.,
Polyvinylidene
chloride
coated
polypropylene
polyethylene is used for packing bakery products, dried
fruits, frozen vegetables, etc.,

Courtesy: Google images

 In our daily life most of the utensils we use in our

house for cooking purpose is made of polymers
Bakelite is the hardest polymer discovered so far
Polyethylene terephthalate is the most common
thermo plastic resin of polyester used in fibres for
clothing, containers for water bottles, etc.,

Courtesy: Google images

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Polymers play an important role in industries
Rubber is the most commonly used polymers in
industries
As already said, charles Goodyear succeeded in
vulcanizing natural rubber by heating it with sulfur. in
this process, sulfur chain fragments attack the polymer
chains and lead to cross linking
Most of the rubbers we use now a days are a kind of
synthetic rubber called styrene butadiene rubber
Courtesy: Google images

 In textile industries they use fibres which is a

natural polymer
In dyeing industries sulfur dyes are used

Courtesy: Google images

POLYMERS USED IN COSMETICS

Poly-alpha-olefin
is the most
popular
component
used
in
lipsticks,eye shadows since they do
not give a greasy appearance
Polyurethenes are used in nail and
mascara products
Hydroxyethyl acrylate sodium
acryloyldimethyl and taurate
coplymers are commonly used in
lotions
Courtesy: Google images

POLYMERS IN AUTOMOBILES
In automobiles most of the parts are made up of polymers
Polypropylene is the most common component used in
making of seats, dash boards, bumpers, electrical
components, liquid reservoirs, etc.,
Polycarbonates are used for lights
dashboards and electrical components

Courtesy: Google images

and

also

for

 The automobiles tyres are also made up of polymers

such as styrene - butadiene rubber (elastomers).

Courtesy: Google images

POLYMERS IN MEDICAL FIELD

Polymers find their applications in the medical field due
to the technological development
Now a days surgeries are performed casually since
there are new technologies developed in the medical
field

Courtesy: Google images

 Pvc is a versatile plastic that has been used in the

medical field for about 50 years
It is used in containers to store blood, pack pills and
tablets, surgical instruments and gloves, containers for
intravenous solutions

Courtesy: Google images

 Dsm has developed an innovative technology for

improving the stability of medical polymers used in total
joint replacements
Ultra-high-molecular-weightpolyethylene(uhmwpe) is used as a bearing material
in total joint replacements

Courtesy: Google images

 During heart surgeries they use balloon catheters

which are made up of polymers called oligomers
and polyurethenes.

In

bypass surgeries they keep batteries as pacemaker to

maintain the functioning of heart and those batteries
used are made up of polymers.

The spectacles we wear is also a polymer and the lenses

which we use instead spectacles is also made up of a
polymer called cr-39(columbia
resin)
Courtesy: Google images

 In dentistry the tooth braces are also made up

polypropylene and polymer plastic beads

Courtesy: Google images

Thus we conclude here by saying that polymers are

everywhere

THANK YOU

Queries?