Polymer

Polymers :

Polymers are large complex molecule that are made of some small repeating unit known as monomers.

Monomers are the building block of polymers.

Polymers can be natural and synthetic depends on its origin, e.g. Cellulose is a natural polymers and polythene is a synthetic or man made polymers.

The process of formation of polymers from respective monomers is known as polymerization.

PolymerLarge molecules having high molecular mass formed by combination of number of small units called monomers.
PolymerisationThe process of formation of polymers from respective monomers.    
Natural polymersFound in plants and animals.   Examples:  proteins, cellulose, starch.
Synthetic polymers:Synthesised  in laboratory from natural material.   Example,  nylon 6, 6 , Buna-S
Addition PolymersFormed by repeated addition of monomers having multiple bonds.
Homopolymers.     Addition polymers formed from single monomeric species
CopolymersAddition polymers formed from two different monomeric species
Condensation polymersFormed  by repeated condensation of   different bi or tri-functional monomer units.  
FibersLong thin, threadlike bits of material that are characterized by great tensile (pulling) strength in the direction of the fiber.  The natural fibers – cotton, wool, silk – are typical.   The lining-up is brought about by drawing – stretching — the return to random looping and coiling is overcome by strong intermolecular attractions.
ElastomersPossesses the high degree of elasticity that is characteristic of rubber: it can be greatly deformed — stretched to eight times its original length e.g., Buna N and Buna S,   When the stretching force is removed, the molecular chains of an elastomer do not remain extended and aligned  but return to their original random conformations
Thermoplastic polymersSoften on heating and stiffen on   Cooling. e.g. polythene, polystyrene, PVC  
Thermosetting polymersDo not soften on heating and cannot be remoulded.  Example, Bakelite

Some important polymers:

Polythene:Monomers of polythene is ethyleneand it is used in the manufacturing of packaging material ,carry bags and bottles.

Polypropene:Its monomers is propyleneand it is used in the manufacturing of bottles and crates.

Nylon (Polyester):Monomer of Nylon is caprolactamand this is used in the manufacturing of fibers and ropes.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC):Monomers of polyvinyl chloride is vinyl chloride and it is used in the manufacturing of pipes and insulation.

Teflon:Tetrafluroethyleneis used as monomers in preparation of Teflon. Teflon is used in the preparation of nonstick kitchen ware.

Bakelite:Its monomer is phenol formaldehyde and it is used in the preparation of electrical insulation.

Natural rubber: Its monomer is isoprene.

Lexan:It is used in the preparation of bullet proof glass.

Melamine:It is used in the preparation of crockery.

SOAPS:

Soap is a sodium salt or potassium salt of long chain fatty acids having cleansing action in water.

They are using as cleansing agents to remove dirt, oil from the skin and clothes.

Generally soaps are prepared by heating animal fat or oil with alkalies like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, this reaction is known as saponification reaction.

Glycerol is by -product formed in the saponification reaction and it is used in the preparation of cosmetics, paints and even explosives.

The cleaning action of soap is due to micelle formation and emulsion formation.

Detergent:

Detergents have almost the same properties as soaps but they are more effective in hard water.

Detergents are generally ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids.

The charged ends of these compounds do not form insoluble precipitates with the calcium and magnesium ions in water.

Various types of medicines:

Analgesics: Painkillers are called analgesics e.g. Aspirin, paracetamol and morphine. Acetyl salicylic acid is used in the preparation of aspirin.

Antimalarial Drugs: These drugs are used to treat malaria.

Suphadrugs: Alternatives of antibiotics, sulphanilamide, sulphadiazine, sulpha gunamidine.

Antaoxide: Substance which remove the excess acid and raise the pH to appropriate level in scotch are called antacids. It is caused by excess of HCL in the gastric juice magnesium hydrate. Aluminium phosphene are common antacids.

Epsom salt: Hydrated magnesium sulphate used in medicines to empty bowels.

Chloroform: A sweetish, colourless liquid and it is used as anesthetic.

Saccharin: It i s used by Diabetic patients in place of sugar.

DDT:It is used as an insecticide.