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I. OBJECTIVES:
II. INTRODUCTION:
Before we go through to our experiment let me first give you an ideal about
polymers. Polymers are substances whose molecules have high molar masses and are
composed of a large number of repeating units. A polymer can be a three dimensional
network (think of the repeating units linked together left and right, front and back, up and
down) or two-dimensional network (think of the repeating units linked together left, right,
up, and down in a sheet) or a one-dimensional network (think of the repeating units
linked left and right in a chain). Each repeating unit is the -mer or basic unit with poly-
mer meaning many repeating units. Repeating units are often made of carbon and
hydrogen and sometimes oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, fluorine, phosphorous, and
silicon. Polymers occur in nature and can be made to serve specific
needs. Manufactured polymers can be three-dimensional networks that do not melt
once formed. Such networks are called THERMOSET polymers. Epoxy resins used in
two-part adhesives are thermoset plastics. Manufactured polymers can also be one-
dimensional chains that can be melted. These chains are THERMOPLASTIC polymers
and are also called LINEAR polymers. Plastic bottles, films, cups, and fibers are
thermoplastic plastics. Polymers are formed by chemical reactions in which a large
number of molecules called monomers are joined sequentially, forming a chain. In many
polymers, only one monomer is used. In others, two or three different monomers may
be combined. Polymers are classified by the characteristics of the reactions by which
they are formed. If all atoms in the monomers are incorporated into the polymer, the
polymer is called an addition polymer. If some of the atoms of the monomers are
released into small molecules, such as water, the polymer is called a condensation
polymer. Most addition polymers are made from monomers containing a double bond
between carbon atoms. Such monomers are called olefins, and most commercial
addition polymers are polyolefins. Condensation polymers are made from monomers
that have two different groups of atoms which can join together to form, for example,
ester or amide links. Polyesters are an important class of commercial polymers, as are
polyamides (nylon).
Characteristics of Polymers
Every polymer has very distinct characteristics, but most polymers have the
following general attributes.
1. Polymers can be very resistant to chemicals. Consider all the cleaning fluids in
your home that are packaged in plastic. Reading the warning labels that describe
what happens when the chemical comes in contact with skin or eyes or is
ingested will emphasize the need for chemical resistance in the plastic
packaging. While solvents easily dissolve some plastics, other plastics provide
safe, non-breakable packages for aggressive solvents.
2. Polymers can be both thermal and electrical insulators. A walk through your
house will reinforce this concept, as you consider all the appliances, cords,
electrical outlets and wiring that are made or covered with polymeric materials.
Thermal resistance is evident in the kitchen with pot and pan handles made of
polymers, the coffee pot handles, the foam core of refrigerators and freezers,
insulated cups, coolers, and microwave cookware. The thermal underwear that
many skiers wear is made of polypropylene and the fiberfill in winter jackets is
acrylic and polyester.
7. Polymers can be used to make items that have no alternatives from other
materials. Polymers can be made into clear, waterproof films. PVC is used to
make medical tubing and blood bags that extend the shelf life of blood and blood
products. PVC safely delivers flammable oxygen in non-burning flexible tubing.
And anti-thrombogenic material, such as heparin, can be incorporated into
flexible PVC catheters for open heart surgery, dialysis, and blood
collection. Many medical devices rely on polymers to permit effective functioning.
Ruler
Acrylic
Bottle of Zonrox
PCV pipe
IV. PROCEDURE:
2. Then get a candle and a lighter so it would be easy to burn the plastics
3. Burn all the plastic you prepared and observed what will happen to it and what
will be the smell
Bottle of Zonrox Becomes liquid drips down Same smell when in fire