Polymer

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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.

General Characteristics of Polymers

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

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