Polymer

Description

A high molecular weight compound formed by the combination of one or more monomers. Polymers are made by addition or condensation reactions. Polymers, commonly called plastics, are usually categorized by their thermal properties as either thermoplastic or thermoset.

• Thermoplastic - can be heated to soften then cooled to harden without changing its basic properties. Examples are: polyacetal, as well as some acrylics, cellulose esters, fluorocarbons, nylons, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and vinyl resins.
• Thermoset - once cured, it cannot be softened with heat or pressure. Examples are: Epoxy, Phenolic resin, as well as some polyurethanes, polyesters, silicones, and melamine.

General Characteristics of Polymers {| class="wikitable" |- ! colspan="2" | polymer ! colspan="2" | Date developed (marketed) ! colspan="2" | Solubility ! colspan="2" | Flame test (copper wire) ! colspan="2" | Characteristics ! colspan="2" | Uses ! colspan="2" | Brand names |- | colspan="2" | acetal resin | colspan="2" | 1959 | colspan="2" | Soluble in dimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol. Insoluble in methanol, diethyl ether, aliphatic hydrocarbons | colspan="2" | blue mantle with yellow flame and formaldehyde smell; no soot | colspan="2" | very high tensile strength and stiffness; high chemical and abrasion resistance | colspan="2" | mechanical parts (gears, bushings), automotive parts, communication equipment, videocassettes, cosmetic
containers, latches, pipes, and plumbing parts. | colspan="2" | Delrin [DuPont]; Celcon [Celanese]; |- | colspan="2" | acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | colspan="2" | 1948 | colspan="2" | Resistant to water, salts and oils. May be degraded by oxidizing acids and many organic solvents (aromatics,
ketones, and alcohols). | colspan="2" | slow burning with smoke | colspan="2" | inexpensive, strong, resilient and difficult to break | colspan="2" | used for appliances, automobile parts and fittings, telephones, radios, televisions, pipes and conduits, luggage, boats, toys, and
bottles. | colspan="2" | Abson; Cycolac |- | colspan="2" | casein | colspan="2" | 1897 | colspan="2" | Insoluble in water and acids, but contact with water, acids, and alkalis may cause crazing. | colspan="2" | flame=yellow with gray smoke and burnt milk odor | colspan="2" | becomes hard and insoluble when treated with formaldehyde | colspan="2" | buttons, beads, buckles, combs, fountain pens, umbrella handles, cutlery handles, and knitting needles; often pigmented to
simulate ivory, horn, or tortoise shell. | colspan="2" | Lactoid (England in 1904); Aladdinite (U.S. in 1919); Galalith (Deut.); Galalite (It.); Erinoid (Br.); Syrolit (Ire.); Karolith; Kyloid; Ameroid; Dorcasine; Casolith |- | colspan="2" | cellulose acetate | colspan="2" | 1910s | colspan="2" | soluble in furfuryl alcohol, acetonitrile | colspan="2" | flame = dark yellow, mauve blue with sparks and vinegar odor | colspan="2" | plasticizers may migrate to surface leaving an oily film; degrades in sunlihgt, heat and high humidity | colspan="2" | lacquers, photographic film, transparent sheeting and as fibers. | colspan="2" | Celanese [British Celanese]; Kodacel [Eastman Kodak] |- | colspan="2" | cellulose acetate butyrate | colspan="2" | 1938
(1932) | colspan="2" | soluble in acetone, methylene chloride | colspan="2" | flame=dark yellow, with vinegar and vomit odor | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | photographic film, varnishes and moldings | colspan="2" | Tenite; Urex; Hercose C; Ester EAB-171 |- | colspan="2" | cellulose nitrate | colspan="2" | 1832
(1838) | colspan="2" | soluble in ketones and esters. Insoluble in water, ethanol and hydrocarbons | colspan="2" | flame=intense white | colspan="2" | birefringent; burns with a bright, violent flame; smells of nitrogen oxides | colspan="2" | clear lacquer, fabric dope, adhesives, high-gloss paints | colspan="2" | Parkesine; Celluloid; Xyloidine; Durofix [Rawlplug]; Duco cement [DuPont]; UHU
Hart [Linger & Fischer, Germany]; Zapon- lack [Dulux]; HMG [H.Marcel Guest] |- | colspan="2" | chlorinated rubber | colspan="2" | 1918 | colspan="2" | soluble in toluene, ethylene dichloride. Insoluble in aliphatic and alcohols.
Resistant to acids and alkalis. | colspan="2" | flame=green | colspan="2" | servicable temperature range = - 35 to 100 | colspan="2" | used primarily in the 1930s -60s for paints, varnishes, adhesives, inks and paper coatings; still used
for waterproof paints on floors and swimming pools | colspan="2" | Duroprene [ICI]; Parlon; Hypalon |- | colspan="2" | cyanoacrylate resin | colspan="2" | 1941
(1958) | colspan="2" | cured glue is slightly soluble in DMF or nitromethane. Soaking in acetone may decrease adhesion | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | ultraviolet light and contact with alkaline materials (glass and some stones) will accelerate the degradation process. | colspan="2" | for gluing glass, ceramics and other hard materials. They also have medical and dental applications to suture skin and
weld crowns | colspan="2" | Super Glue Gel [Loctite]; Krazy glue [Borden]; Super Attack [Loctite]; Zap; Eastman 910 [Eastman Chemical]; ELFY |- | colspan="2" | epoxy resin | colspan="2" | 1939 | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | flame=yellow; smells of phenol; self-extinguishing | colspan="2" | high strength, good abrasion and chemical resistance, low water absorption, good dimensional stability | colspan="2" | adhesive, fills, printed circuit boards, molded products and baked enamel surface coatings | colspan="2" | Ablebond 342-1 [Ablestix]; Rutapox [Bakelite], Aradlite AY103/HY951 [Ciba Geigy]; Hxtal Nyl-1 [Conservation
Materials]; Phillyseal (formerly Pliacre); Epon; CM Bond, Epotek; UHU |- | colspan="2" | ethyl cellulose | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | soluble in esters, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons. Insoluble in water and glycerol | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | forms a tough, flexible, transparent film that is very wear resistant | colspan="2" | food containers; hot-melt adhesives, inks, and as protective coatings for paper and textiles | colspan="2" | Ethulose [Hercules]; Ethocel [Dow]; Ethylcellulose [Aqualon] |- | colspan="2" | polymer | colspan="2" | Date developed (marketed) | colspan="2" | Solubility | colspan="2" | Flame test (copper wire) | colspan="2" | Characteristics | colspan="2" | Uses | colspan="2" | Brand names |- | colspan="2" | fluorocarbon | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | non-flammable | colspan="2" | Servicable temperature range = - 20 to 200; very good heat and chemical resistant | colspan="2" | examples of fluorocarbon polymers are polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), polyvinylidene fluoride, and fluorinated ethylene propylene | colspan="2" | Teflon |- | colspan="2" | hydroxyethyl cellulose | colspan="2" | 1930s | colspan="2" | soluble in water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in ethyl ether | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | discolors and becomes insoluble with thermal aging | colspan="2" | used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener and film former in many types of solutions such as foods, cosmetics, paints and glazes. It is also used as a sizing agent and
consolidant | colspan="2" | Natrosol [Aqualon]; Cellosize [Union Carbide]; Tylose H [Hoechst] |- | colspan="2" | hydroxypropyl cellulose | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | soluble in cold water, ethanol, acetone and many organic solvents. Insoluble in hot water | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | good photochemical stability, it has poor thermal stability and discolors with age | colspan="2" | emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and film former in foods, cosmetics, paint removers, paints and glazes; also used as a sizing agent for paper and consolidant for
leather. | colspan="2" | Klucel [Hercules] |- | colspan="2" | melamine formaldehyde | colspan="2" | 1933 | colspan="2" | decomposed by acids | colspan="2" | self-extinguishing; fishy odor | colspan="2" | cure to a hard, durable glossy film that isresistant to chemicals and heat | colspan="2" | decorative homeware, circuit breakers, paints and enamels | colspan="2" | Arigal C; Melmac; Formica [Formica]; amino resin Basofil [BASF] |- | colspan="2" | methyl cellulose | colspan="2" | 1930s | colspan="2" | Soluble in cold water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in hot water, ethyl ether | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss | colspan="2" | used in sizing pape, as an adhesive in textile and paper conservation, as a poulticing material | colspan="2" | Methocel [Dow]; Polycell; Tylose® MB [Hoechst]; Glutolin; Sicho-Zell; Cellothyl; Syncelose; Celevac; Cellumeth; Hydrolose; Nicel; Culminal [Aqualon]; Methofas® [ICI, England] |- | colspan="2" | nylon (polyamide) | colspan="2" | 1930s | colspan="2" | resistant to alkalis, and insoluble in most organic solvents.
Soluble in hot phenols, cresols and mineral acids | colspan="2" | self-extinguishing; flame=yellow with blue mantle and odor of burnt hair | colspan="2" | good impact, tensile and flexural strengths, elasticity, and wear resistance as well as low water absorption | colspan="2" | fibers, paints, films, foams, and molded parts | colspan="2" | Akulon; Caprolan: Celon; Durethan; Nylon 66; Nylon #66; fiber 66: Tynex; Rilsan®; |- | colspan="2" | phenol formaldehyde resin | colspan="2" | 1907
(1909) | colspan="2" | soluble in alkalis, decomposed by acids | colspan="2" | low burning rate; phenolic odor | colspan="2" | inexpensive, good chemical and heat resistance, darkens in sunlight; may corrode copper and brass as it degrades | colspan="2" | fibers, adhesives, plywood, textile sizing, leather processing, paper strengthening, foams, chemical resistant coatings, printed circuit
boards | colspan="2" | Bakelite |- | colspan="2" | polycarbonate | colspan="2" | 1956 | colspan="2" | dissolves in ketones, aromatic and chlorinated solvents.
Attacked by alkalis, ammonia and amines | colspan="2" | self-extinguishing; flame=orange yellow with sweet phenolic odor and soot | colspan="2" | high dielectric strength, good mechanical properties; strong UV absorber | colspan="2" | unbreakable windows, bank screens, police shields, helmet visors, and household appliances | colspan="2" | Lexan [1959; General Electric Co.]; Makrolon [1956; Bayer]; Solvex; Merlon [Mobay Chemical]; Panlite |- | colspan="2" | polycyclohexanone | colspan="2" | 1930 | colspan="2" | soluble in turpentine, mineral spirit | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | oxidize with age to become brittle and less soluble. | colspan="2" | picture varnishes and for retouching | colspan="2" | Ketone Resin N [BASF]; MS2A [Laporte]; AW-2 [BASF]; Rembrandt Varnish [Talens] |- | colspan="2" | polyester | colspan="2" | 1946 | colspan="2" | soluble in ketones and chlorinated solvents | colspan="2" | slow burning rate; flame=yellow; dense smoke, sweet smell | colspan="2" | Inexpenxive, easy to fabricate, versatile, good chemical resistance | colspan="2" | sheeting, films, autos and boats, pipping boxes | colspan="2" | Fabrisil [Shelley]; PET |- | colspan="2" | polyethylene glycol | colspan="2" | 1930s | colspan="2" | soluble or miscible in water and most organic solvents | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | can remain tacky and attract dirt | colspan="2" | solvents, plasticizers, consolidants | colspan="2" | Carbowax [Union Carbide]; Polywax [Huls] |- | colspan="2" | polyethylene vinylacetate | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | clear, tough, crack resistant and retain flexibility at low temperatures | colspan="2" | paper coatings, shrink-wrap, and hot melt adhesives | colspan="2" | Elvax [DuPont]; A-C Copolymr 400 [Allied]; Vinamul 3250 [Vinyl Products];
Mowilith DM155 [Hoechst]; Elvace 1874; Jade 834-403N [Aabbitt] |- | colspan="2" | polyethylene, high density | colspan="2" | 1954 | colspan="2" | soluble in toluene. esistant to most other solvents except nitric and hydrochloric acids | colspan="2" | slow burning rate; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =candles | colspan="2" | inexpensive, tough, lightweight, good flexibility and chemical resistance | colspan="2" | containers, packaging films, fibers, pipes, molded pieces, toys, bowls, and milk bottle crates | colspan="2" | |- | colspan="2" | polyethylene, low density | colspan="2" | 1933 | colspan="2" | soluble in dipropylene glycol and hot organic solvents. Resistant to nonoxidizing acids, alkalis,
salt solutions. | colspan="2" | slow burning rate; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =candles | colspan="2" | compared to HDPE, LDPE is softer and more flexible butt also has lower tensile strength | colspan="2" | sheeting, films, paper coatings, toys, bags and packaging materials | colspan="2" | |- | colspan="2" | polyimide | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | resistant to organic solvents | colspan="2" | nonflammable | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | adhesives, binders, fibers; flame- retardant clothing | colspan="2" | Vespel [DuPont]; P-84 [Inspec] |- | colspan="2" | polyisoprene | colspan="2" | 1790s | colspan="2" | soluble in aliphatic and aromatic solvents. Insoluble in acetone,
diethyl ether | colspan="2" | dark yellow sooty flame that smells of burnt rubber | colspan="2" | servicable temperature range = - 55 to 70 | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | |- | colspan="2" | polymethylacrylates (acrylic resins) | colspan="2" | 1901 | colspan="2" | soluble in mineral spirits, turpentine, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones | colspan="2" | flame=blue mantle with yellow orange, smoky flame and acrid burnt fat odor | colspan="2" | high optical clarity, excellent weatherability, food chemical resistance, Will craze when stressed. | colspan="2" | paints, coatings, adhesives, fabrics, textile and leather finishes, windows, mounts, optical lenses, tailights, glazing, signs, glass- substitute, | colspan="2" | Plexigum [Rohm & Haas]; Lucite [DuPont]; Paraloid [Rohm & Haas]; Elvacite [DuPont]; Plexiglas [Rohm & Haas]; Perspex; Magna [Bocour]; Liquitex [Permanent Pigments]; Shiva [Shiva]; Hyplar Acrylic Colors [Grumbacher]; Aqua-
tec [Bocour] |- | colspan="2" | polypropylene | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | soluble in some hydrocarbons, isoamyl alcohol. slightly soluble in toluene | colspan="2" | slow burning; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =heavy | colspan="2" | excellent stress and scratch resistance, good chemical and heat resistant, lightweight | colspan="2" | toys, bottles, fishnets, pipe, clothing, vapor barrier films, road signs, molded parts, carpet, artificial grass, laminates, food packages, furniture, and
photographic enclosures | colspan="2" | Coroplast; Propylex; Herculon; Microfoam |- | colspan="2" | polystyrene | colspan="2" | 1839
(1929) | colspan="2" | soluble in most hydrocarbon solvents, oils, ketones, esters, inorganic acids | colspan="2" | slow burning; flame=orange-yellow with dense smoke and flowery smell | colspan="2" | inexpensive; good stability, stiffness, and impact strength; degrades in UV light | colspan="2" | approved for contact with food; used in insulation, toys, appliances, cabinets, containers, and furniture | colspan="2" | Styrofoam [Dow]; Luran; Styron; Lustrex; Fome-Cor; Algil [Polymers, Inc.]; Permene [Modglin Co.]; Shalon [Polymers, Inc.]; Polyfil [Mack Molding]; Durastran |- | colspan="2" | polyurethane | colspan="2" | 1937 | colspan="2" | attacked by aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents, ozone, and nitrogen oxides | colspan="2" | slow burning with bright flame and sharp odor (toxic fumes) | colspan="2" | thermosetting (rigid) or thermoplastic (elastomeric); servicable temperature range = - 50 to 70; excellent hardness, gloss, and resistance to weathering,
abrasion, acids, and alkalis | colspan="2" | elastomer, sealants, adhesives, films, furniture, mattresses, laminates, carpet cushions, upholstery, soundproofing, flotation devices, packaging, and
filtration | colspan="2" | Xylamon [Desowag]; Viacryl [Vianova]; Desmodur N75 [Bayer]; Perlon U [Germany]; Lycra [DuPont] |- | colspan="2" | polyvinyl acetate | colspan="2" | 1912 | colspan="2" | soluble in benzene, chloroform, methanol, acetone, butyl acetate. | colspan="2" | flame=dark yellow with acetic odor | colspan="2" | odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, slow burning, lightweight, colorless | colspan="2" | latex house paints, artists' media (since 1938), and common household white glues | colspan="2" | Vinamul [Vinyl Products]; Mowilith [Hoechst]; Vinylite [Union Carbide]; AYAT [Union Carbide]; Elmers Glue-All [Borden]; Duratite White Glue [DAP]; Gelva [Solutia]; Rivit Glue; Polymer Tempera
[Borden] |- | colspan="2" | polyvinyl alcohol | colspan="2" | 1933 | colspan="2" | soluble in water and alcohols, resistance to organic solvents | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | elestomeric, | colspan="2" | adhesive, films, finishes | colspan="2" | Lamatec [Archival Aids] |- | colspan="2" | polyvinyl butyral | colspan="2" | 1920 | colspan="2" | soluble in esters, ketones, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons. | colspan="2" | flame=yellow with blue mantle and rancid butter odor | colspan="2" | tough, flexible, weather-resistant | colspan="2" | used as shatterproof safety-glass interlayer | colspan="2" | Butvar [Monsanto]; Mowital [Hoechst]; Rhovinal [Rhone-Poulenc]; Vinal |- | colspan="2" | polyvinylchloride | colspan="2" | 1838
(1930) | colspan="2" | soluble in aromatics, ketones, aldehydes and chlorinated solvents | colspan="2" | self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke | colspan="2" | resistant to ignition, corrosion and stains. | colspan="2" | gramophone records, sheeting, gaskets, tubing, raincoats, waterproof coatings | colspan="2" | Geon [B.F.Goodrich]; Koroseal [B.F.Goodrich]; Tygon; Vinagel; Elaston; Trovidur; Bexan [BX Plastics]; Bristrand
[Polymers Inc.]; Pe-Ce-U [Farbenfabriken Bayer A.G.] |- | colspan="2" | polyvinylidene chloride | colspan="2" | 1940s | colspan="2" | discolors when exposed to alkalis | colspan="2" | self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke | colspan="2" | high strength and abrasion resistance, dimensionally stable, good durability | colspan="2" | packaging, barrier films, fibers | colspan="2" | Saran F310 [Dow]; Cryovac; Diurit; Pe Ce 120 [Casella Farbwerke, Germany] |- | colspan="2" | polyxylylene | colspan="2" | 1950s | colspan="2" | soluble in hot orthodichlorobenzene or hot choronaphthalene. Insoluble in
most other chemicals. | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | excellent barrier properties agains gases and moisture,weather resistance is poor, deteriorates in
UV light | colspan="2" | as a coating to provide mechanical strength and flexibility | colspan="2" | Parylene [Union Carbide] |- | colspan="2" | siloxane | colspan="2" | 1940s | colspan="2" | soluble in chloroform, heptane,
benzene, diethyl ether. Insoluble in methanol, ethanol | colspan="2" | burning rate = none to slow | colspan="2" | Servicable temperature range = - 60 to 200; good heat reistance | colspan="2" | electrical appliances and boards, aerospace, gaskets, molds | colspan="2" | |- | colspan="2" | sodium carboxymethyl cellulose | colspan="2" | 1947 | colspan="2" | soluble I cold and hot water; insouble in most organic solvents | colspan="2" | dust is flammable | colspan="2" | good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss | colspan="2" | used commercially in detergents, food product and as size for textiles and paper | colspan="2" | Bianose [Hercules]; CM cellulose; Cellulose Gum CMC 7HSP [Aqualon]; Cellofas® B- 3500 [ICI]; Cellosize® CMC P-75-M [Union
Carbide]; Tylose® C [Hoechst] |- | colspan="2" | soluble nylon | colspan="2" | 1940s | colspan="2" | Initially soluble in methanol and ethanol. | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | becomes insoluble and shrinks with age | colspan="2" | used in the mid-20th century as an adhesive, coating and sizing agent to add strength to wet paper and
consolidate friable pigments | colspan="2" | Calaton [ICI, Britain]; Maranyl Nylon DV 45 [ICI]; Ultramid [BASF]; Elvamide [DuPont] |- | colspan="2" | urea formaldehyde resin | colspan="2" | 1896
(1923) | colspan="2" | soluble in water | colspan="2" | | colspan="2" | degraded by heat, acids, and alkalis | colspan="2" | foams, insulation, coatings (baked enamels) and adhesives (plywood, particle board) | colspan="2" | Chinaglaze; Pollapas; Kaurit S |}

Synonyms and Related Terms

polymère (Fr.); polímero (Esp.)

For easy printing or to download

General Characteristics of Polymers

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoset Resins

Resources and Citations

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
• Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998
• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000