Knitted double pique fabric, properties of knitted pique fabrics and uses of pique fabrics

  What is knitted double-pique fabric? Knitted double piqué fabric, often simply referred to as "double piqué," is a type of texti...

Polymer related important terms

 


Monomers and polymers, monomer residue, polymer chain, Branched polymer, dendrimer, Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer,



What are monomers and polymers?

Monomers are small, individual molecules that can be chemically bonded together to form larger, more complex molecules called polymers. Polymers are made up of repeating units of monomers, and they can range in size from just a few monomers to thousands or even millions of monomers in length.

For example, the monomer of the polymer polyethylene is ethylene, which consists of two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms. When many ethylene molecules are chemically bonded together, they form a long chain of repeating units, creating the polymer polyethylene. Similarly, the monomer of the protein polymer is an amino acid, which can bond with other amino acids to form a protein chain.

Polymers are found in many natural and synthetic materials, such as plastics, rubber, proteins, and DNA. Understanding the properties and behaviors of monomers and polymers is important in many fields, including chemistry, materials science, biology, and engineering.

What is monomer residue?
A monomer residue refers to a single unit of a larger molecule that has been polymerized.
For example, in a protein polymer, the monomer residues are amino acids, while in a DNA polymer, the monomer residues are nucleotides. Each monomer residue contains specific chemical groups that allow it to link up with other monomers to form a chain, which can then fold into a specific structure or perform a specific function. The properties and behavior of the polymer are determined by the sequence and arrangement of the monomer residues within it.

What is the repeat unit of the polymer chain?
A repeat unit is a specific arrangement of atoms or a group of atoms that are repeated throughout a polymer chain. It is the smallest repeating unit in a polymer chain that is responsible for its unique physical and chemical properties. In other words, it's the building block of a polymer chain.

For example, in polyethylene, which is a common plastic, the repeat unit is (-CH2-CH2-), which is repeated numerous times to form a long chain of polyethylene molecules. Similarly, in proteins, the amino acid residues form the repeat units of the polymer chain.

By knowing the repeat unit, we can understand the structure and properties of the polymer and how it behaves under different conditions.

What is the difference between homo polymer and co-polymer
Homopolymers are polymers that are made up of only one type of monomer, while copolymers are polymers made up of two or more different types of monomers.

In a homopolymer, all the monomers are the same, which leads to a uniform and regular structure. This uniformity gives homopolymers some advantageous properties, such as high melting points, high crystallinity, and good chemical resistance. Examples of homopolymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

On the other hand, copolymers have two or more types of monomers, which can be arranged in different ways. This results in more complex structures and a wider range of properties, such as increased flexibility, improved impact resistance, and greater durability. Depending on the arrangement of the monomers, copolymers can be further classified as random copolymers, alternating copolymers, block copolymers, graft copolymers, and more. Examples of copolymers include nylon, ABS plastic, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

In summary, the main difference between homopolymers and copolymers lies in the number and types of monomers used in their structure, which affects their properties and applications.

Branched polymer
A branched polymer is a type of polymer that has one or more branches or side chains attached to the main chain of the polymer molecule. The branches can be either regular or irregular in structure and can be either long or short.

Branched polymers can be synthesized through a variety of techniques, including branching reactions during polymerization or through the modification of a linear polymer using chemical or enzymatic methods.

The presence of branches in a polymer can affect its physical properties, such as its mechanical strength, elasticity, and viscosity. Branched polymers often exhibit improved properties compared to their linear counterparts, such as increased solubility in certain solvents, reduced melting points, and improved processability.

Common examples of branched polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyisobutylene, which are widely used in a variety of industrial applications, such as packaging, textiles, and coatings.

What is a dendrimer?
Dendrimers are a class of highly branched, nanoscale macromolecules that have a well-defined and repetitive structure. They are typically synthesized from a core molecule, which is then surrounded by successive layers of branching units or monomers. The result is a three-dimensional, tree-like structure with a high density of functional groups on the surface.

Dendrimers are unique in their ability to control their size, shape, and surface properties with precision, making them attractive for a wide range of applications in materials science, biotechnology, and medicine. Their potential uses include drug delivery, gene therapy, imaging, sensing, catalysis, and nanoelectronics, among others.

Dendrimers are also highly tunable, meaning that their properties can be adjusted by modifying the size, shape, surface chemistry, and composition of the monomers used in their synthesis. This makes them a versatile platform for the development of new materials and technologies.


Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer
Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers are two different types of materials that are widely used in various industries.

They soften when heated and solidify when cooled, making them ideal for use in manufacturing processes that require molding, extrusion, and other similar techniques.

On the other hand, thermosetting polymers are those that undergo a chemical change when they are heated, causing them to become irreversibly hard and rigid. They do not soften or melt upon reheating and cannot be reshaped once they have been formed. Examples of thermosetting polymers include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, and urea-formaldehyde.

In summary, the key difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers is that thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped multiple times, while thermosetting polymers undergo a chemical change upon heating and cannot be reshaped once they have hardened.

What is blocked polymer?
Blocked polymers are polymers that have one or more reactive groups temporarily "blocked" or masked with a protective group. The protective group is typically a small molecule that is attached to the reactive group of the polymer chain, such as a carbamate or a silyl ether.

The use of blocked polymers can offer several advantages in polymer chemistry, including:

Controlled reactivity: By blocking certain reactive groups, the rate and selectivity of subsequent reactions can be controlled, allowing for more precise control over polymer properties.

Improved stability: Blocking reactive groups can prevent unwanted reactions, such as unwanted cross-linking, during storage or processing.

Facilitating synthesis: Blocking reactive groups can allow for an easier synthesis of complex polymer architectures, as it allows for stepwise, selective functionalization of the polymer chain.

Triggered release: In some cases, the protective group can be selectively removed, "unblocking" the reactive group and allowing for the triggered release of a desired functionality, such as drug delivery or self-healing properties.

Overall, the use of blocked polymers can offer a versatile and powerful tool in polymer chemistry, enabling the design of complex, functional materials with precise control over their properties.


What is graft polymer?
Graft polymers are a type of polymer that is formed by grafting one or more monomers onto a pre-existing polymer backbone. In other words, they are polymers that have side chains attached to the main polymer chain. The side chains can be of the same or different chemical composition from the main chain, depending on the specific grafting reaction used.

The grafting process can be accomplished through various methods, including free radical polymerization, ionic polymerization, and condensation polymerization. The resulting graft polymer can have unique properties such as increased solubility, improved thermal stability, and enhanced mechanical strength.

Graft polymers are used in a variety of applications, including coatings, adhesives, and composites, due to their ability to combine the desirable properties of both the main polymer chain and the grafted side chains.

No comments:

Post a Comment