CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS

CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS

1. ACCORDING TO ITS SHAPE

   • BRANCHED POLYMERS
     • They are formed because the monomer has three or more attack points, so that polymerization occurs three-dimensionally, that is, in the three directions of space.
   • LINEAR POLYMERS
     • When the monomer that forms it has two points of attack, so that the polymer is formed unidirectionally, forming linear chains
   • INTERLINED POLYMERS
     • They are made up of bifunctional and trifunctional monomers with a strong covalent bond between the various linear polymer chains

2. ACCORDING TO ITS CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

   • HOMOPOLYMER
     • Polymer that is made up of the same monomer throughout its entire chain, polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene are examples of polymers belonging to this family.
   • COPOLYMER
     • Polymer that is made up of at least 2 different monomers along its entire chain, ABS or SBR are examples belonging to this family.

3. ACCORDING TO THEIR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

   • BEHAVIOUR
     • THERMAL
       • THERMOPLASTICS
         • Formed by chains of a very high molecular weight between which there are bonds by means of dipole-dipole forces.
       • THERMO-STABLE
         • Have a lattice-type structure based on covalent bonds, with cross-linking of chains
     • MECHANICAL
       • ELASTOMERS
         • They are very elastic polymers of both natural and synthetic origin, we can see them in neoprene and rubber.
       • PLASTICS
         • Characterized by their malleability under pressure or heat, as examples of them we have pvc pipes, acrylic and polystyrene.
       • FIBERS
         • Elongated molecules capable of creating resistant fine threads, they are found in our daily lives: cotton, silk, polyester and nylon.

4. ACCORDING TO ITS ORIGIN OF COMPOSITION

   • NATURAL POLYMERS
     • They are born from nature, so we can discover them in many living beings, some examples of natural polymers are: proteins, starch, silk, collagen.
   • SEMISYNTHETIC POLYMERS
     • They have the characteristic of having a modified, starting from nature, some are: nitrocellulose and vulcanized plimer rubber.
   • SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
     • They are polymers Created from natural polymers in industrial laboratories

5. POLYMERIZATION MECHANISM

   • POLYMERIZATION
     • An initiator or hardener monomer activates another monomer, starting a chain reaction which forms the final polymer.
   • POLYCONDENSATION
     • Different substances react to create one or more monomers, which will join together to form a dimer, which by reaction with other monomers or dimers
   • POLYADITION
     • Polymers are formed by the addition of monomers other than those containing unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds

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