Polymer Intermolecular Force..Based Classifications

Write the classification of polymers based on intermolecular forces. Give examples. In which classes, are the polymers classified on the basis of intermolecular forces ?

Molecular forces bind the polymer chains either by hydrogen bonds or van der Waal's forces. These forces are called intermolecular forces. On the basis of magnitude of intermolecular forces, polymers are further classified as elastomers, fibres, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers.

(1) Elastomers: Weak van der Waals type of intermolecular forces of attraction between the polymer chains are observed in elastomers. When polymer is stretched, the polymer chain stretches and when the strain is relieved the chain returns to its original position. Thus, polymers have elastic character like rubber are called elastomers. Elastomers, the elastic polymers, have weak van der Waal s type of intermolecular forces which permit the poly-mer to be stretched. Elastomers are soft and stretchy and used in making rubber bands. e.g., neoprene, vulcanized rubber, buna-S. buna-N.

(2) Fibres: Polymeric solids which form threads are called fibres. It consists of strong intermolecular forces of attraction due to hydrogen bonding and strong dipole-dipole forces. These polymers possess high tensile strength. Due to these strong intermolecular forces the fibres are crystalline in nature. They are used in textile industries, strong ropes, tyres, etc., e.g., nylon, terylene.

(3) Thermoplastic polymers: These polymer possess moderately strong intermolecular forces of attraction between those of elastomers and fibres. These polymers are called thermoplastic because they become soft on heating and hard on cooling. They are either linear or branched chain polymers. They can be remoulded and recycled.

e.g. polyethene. , PVC, polystyrene, PET.

(4) Thermosetting polymers: These polymers are cross linked or branched molecules and are rigid polymers. During their formation they have property of being shaped on heating, but they get hardened while hot. Once hardened these become infusible, cannot be softened by heating and therefore, cannot be remoulded and recycled. This shows extensive cross linking by covalent bonds formed in the moulds during hardening/setting process while hot. e.g. bakelite, urea formaldehyde resin, phenol formaldehyde.