Synthetic Polymers | Organic Chemistry | Chemistry | FuseSchool

Summary

This lesson explores synthetic polymers, contrasting them with natural ones by highlighting their human-made origin from crude oil. It covers various types like polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and polystyrene, explaining their monomers and properties. The script also introduces recyclable and biodegradable polymers like PLA and PGA, emphasizing their environmental benefits. The importance of recycling to reduce waste and the potential of synthetic polymers in sustainable applications is discussed.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Synthetic polymers are man-made in factories, unlike natural polymers that are formed within living organisms.
• 🏭 Plastics are a type of synthetic polymer made from monomers derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource.
• 🛢️ Crude oil fractions obtained from fractional distillation can be cracked to form alkenes, which are monomers for synthetic polymers like polyethylene (polyethene) and polypropylene (polypropene).
• 🌳 Polyethylene can be high or low density depending on the degree of branching of the polymer chains.
• 🧴 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a polymer of vinyl chloride monomers, commonly used in pipes, cables, and other construction materials.
• 🧬 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, is a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene monomers, valued for its non-stick properties.
• 🔄 Synthetic polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in soft drink bottles can be recycled to reduce waste in landfills.
• 🌿 Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, used in packaging and medical applications.
• 💉 Polyglycolic acid (PGA) and PLA are used in medical applications such as dissolvable stitches, highlighting the practical uses of biodegradable polymers.
• ♻️ There is a growing interest in developing recyclable and biodegradable synthetic polymers to reduce the environmental impact of waste.

Q & A

What are synthetic polymers?

Synthetic polymers are man-made polymers created in factories, as opposed to natural polymers which are produced within living organisms.

What is the relationship between plastics and synthetic polymers?

Plastics are a broad category that includes a wide range of synthetic polymers made from monomers derived from crude oil.

Why is crude oil considered a non-renewable resource?

Crude oil is classified as a non-renewable resource because it cannot be grown or produced; it is a finite resource that diminishes with use.

How are alkenes related to synthetic polymers?

Alkenes, which can be obtained by cracking the fractions from the fractional distillation of crude oil, serve as monomers for the synthesis of certain synthetic polymers.

What is polyethene, and what are its two common variants?

Polyethene, also known as polyethylene, is a polymer of ethene monomers and comes in two common variants: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which differ based on the degree of branching.

What is the monomer of polypropene?

The monomer of polypropene, also known as polypropylene, is propene.

What is the monomer for PVC?

The monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is chloroethene or vinyl chloride.

What is the monomer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)?

The monomer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is tetrafluoroethylene.

How is polystyrene used in everyday life?

Polystyrene is used in the production of white cups and food packaging materials, as well as expanded polystyrene for packaging and shipping to protect contents from damage.

What is the significance of the recycling symbol on a soft drink bottle?

The recycling symbol on a soft drink bottle indicates that the bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is recyclable and can be broken down into monomers to be re-polymerized, reducing waste in landfills.

Why is there an increased interest in polylactic acid (PLA)?

Polylactic acid (PLA) is gaining interest because it is derived from renewable resources like corn or sugar cane, is biodegradable, and has applications in various packaging materials and even as dissolvable stitches in the medical field.

How does the biodegradability of PLA reduce environmental impact?

PLA's biodegradability allows it to break down naturally, reducing the environmental impact of waste and contributing to sustainable waste management practices.

What is the potential benefit of having recyclable and biodegradable synthetic polymers?

Recyclable and biodegradable synthetic polymers can significantly reduce waste accumulation and the environmental footprint of mass production, promoting sustainable practices and reducing landfill waste.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Synthetic Polymers and Their Applications

This paragraph introduces synthetic polymers, which are human-made materials unlike natural polymers. It explains that plastics, derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, encompass a variety of synthetic polymers. The paragraph details the production of alkenes from crude oil fractions and their role as monomers in synthetic polymers. Examples include polyethene (also known as polyethylene), which can be high or low density depending on branching, and polypropene (polypropylene). It also mentions PVC and polystyrene, used in packaging and shipping, and expands on the recyclability of these materials to reduce waste. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on polyvinyl acetate (PVA glue), ethy cyanoacrylic (superglue), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), emphasizing their recyclability and the environmental benefits of recycling.

05:02

🌱 Biodegradable and Recyclable Synthetic Polymers

The second paragraph focuses on the increasing interest in biodegradable and recyclable synthetic polymers to reduce environmental impact. It discusses polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable resource derived from lactic acid through bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates, such as those from corn or sugar cane. PLA is highlighted for its biodegradability and use in medical applications like dissolvable stitches. The paragraph also mentions polyglycolic acid, another biodegradable polymer with potential applications in reducing waste. The summary emphasizes the endless possibilities of using such polymers to minimize the environmental footprint of mass production and waste disposal.

Keywords

💡Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are large molecules, or macromolecules, composed of repeating subunits called monomers. Unlike natural polymers, they are artificially created through chemical synthesis. In the context of the video, synthetic polymers are highlighted as materials made by humans in factories, contrasting with natural polymers that are produced by living organisms. Examples from the script include polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are derived from monomers obtained through the processing of crude oil.

💡Plastics

Plastics are a broad category of synthetic polymers that encompass a wide range of materials made from monomers derived from crude oil. They are known for their versatility and are used in numerous applications, from packaging to construction. The video script uses the term 'plastics' to introduce the concept of synthetic polymers, emphasizing their ubiquity and the fact that they are made from non-renewable resources.

💡Crude Oil

Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is a naturally occurring, yellow-to-black liquid fossil fuel. It is a non-renewable resource because it takes millions of years to form and is being depleted faster than it can be naturally replaced. In the video, crude oil is mentioned as the source from which many synthetic polymers are derived, highlighting the reliance on this finite resource for the production of plastics.

💡Monomers

Monomers are the small molecules that can join together to form polymers through a process called polymerization. They are the building blocks of polymers. The video script explains that monomers derived from crude oil are used to create synthetic polymers, such as ethene monomers which polymerize to form polyethene (polyethylene).

💡Polyethene (Polyethylene)

Polyethene, also known as polyethylene, is a common synthetic polymer made from ethene monomers. It is used in a variety of products due to its flexibility, toughness, and chemical resistance. The video mentions that polyethene can be high or low density, depending on the degree of branching present in the polymer chain, which affects its properties.

💡Branching

Branching in polymer chemistry refers to the presence of smaller chains that extend from the main polymer chain. This concept is analogous to branches on a tree. The script explains that the degree of branching in polyethene affects whether it is classified as high or low density, which in turn influences its physical properties and applications.

💡Polypropene (Polypropylene)

Polypropene, also known as polypropylene, is a polymer made from propene monomers. It is known for its strength, rigidity, and resistance to heat and chemicals. The video script includes polypropene as an example of a synthetic polymer, illustrating the variety of monomers that can be used to create different types of plastics.

💡Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a widely used synthetic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. It is valued for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and is commonly used in pipes, cables, and other applications. The video script discusses PVC as an example of a synthetic polymer and its versatility in various industrial uses.

💡Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a synthetic polymer known for its exceptional chemical inertness and non-stick properties. It is the polymer used to make Teflon, a brand of non-stick coatings for cookware. The video script challenges viewers to predict the monomer of PTFE, which is tetrafluoroethylene, highlighting the connection between monomers and the polymers they form.

💡Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from the polymerization of styrene monomers. It is a lightweight, rigid plastic that is often used in packaging materials and disposable cutlery. The video script mentions polystyrene as an example of a synthetic polymer used in food packaging and as expanded polystyrene for protective packaging.

💡Recycling

Recycling is the process of breaking down materials into their original components and reusing them to create new products. The video script emphasizes the importance of recycling synthetic polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used in soft drink bottles, to reduce waste and the environmental impact of plastic production.

💡Biodegradable

Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down by microorganisms into simpler substances that can be assimilated into the environment. The video script introduces polylactic acid (PLA) as an example of a biodegradable synthetic polymer, which is derived from renewable resources like corn or sugar cane and can break down naturally over time.

💡Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a biodegradable and renewable polymer made from lactic acid, which is produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates. The video script highlights PLA as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, used in products like plastic cups and packaging materials, and its potential use in medical applications such as dissolvable stitches.

Highlights

Synthetic polymers are human-made, unlike natural polymers found in living organisms.

Plastics encompass a wide range of synthetic polymers derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource.

Fractions from crude oil can be cracked to form alkenes, which are the monomers of synthetic polymers.

Polyethene, also known as polyethylene, is a polymer of ethene monomers and comes in high or low density varieties.

The degree of branching in polyethene determines whether it is high or low density.

Polypropene, or polypropylene, is made from propene monomers.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a polymer of chloroethene or vinyl chloride monomers.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is synthesized from tetrafluoroethylene monomers.

Polystyrene is used in food packaging and as expanded polystyrene for protective packaging.

Regular school glue is polyvinyl acetate, a synthetic polymer made from vinyl acetate monomers.

Superglue is an ethyl cyanoacrylate polymer, much stronger than PVA glue.

Polyethylene terephthalate is used in soft drink bottles, which are recyclable.

Recycling synthetic polymers reduces waste in landfills and is crucial for environmental sustainability.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from lactic acid.

PLA is used in medical applications such as dissolvable stitches.

Polyglycolic acid is another synthetic polymer with real-life applications in medical fields.

The potential for recycling and biodegradation of synthetic polymers could significantly reduce waste impact on the planet.

There is an increased interest in recyclable and biodegradable synthetic polymers for environmental and social benefits.

Transcripts

in this lesson you will learn about

synthetic polymers unlike natural

polymers these polymers are made by

humans in a factory instead of within a

living organism you are likely familiar

with the term Plastics this is a broad

term in compassing a wide range of

polymers made of monomers derived from

crude oil crude oil is known as a

non-renewable resource because we cannot

grow or produce crude oil the fractions

obtained from the fractional

distillation of crude oil can be cracked

to form alkenes some of which are the

monomers of these synthetic polymers for

example polyethene also known as

polyethylene is a polymer of ethine

monomers these polyethene polymers can

be high or low density all depending on

the degree of branching present the term

Branch refers to smaller chains sticking

out of the main

chain much like branches on a

tree polypropene or

polypropylene is a polymer of propene

monomers

polyvinyl chloride or PVC is a polymer

of chloroethene or vinyl chloride

monomers can you predict the name of the

monomer of polytetrafluroethylene

PTF pause think and resume when

ready the answer is tetrafluoroethylene

polystyrene is synthesized from the

polymerization of styrene monomers you

may have encountered polystyrene as

white cups and food packaging

materials expanded polystyrene is used

in packaging and shipping so to protect

the contents from being damaged since

our other videos discuss these synthetic

polymers and their uses in great detail

we will focus on other useful synthetic

polymers regular school glue or PVA glue

is polyvinyl acetate a synthetic polymer

made from repeating units of vinyl

acetate monomers when you lick a stamp

to stick it on an envelope and when you

lick the edges of the envelope to seal

it that sticky part is actually made of

polyvinyl

acetate ethy cyanoacrylic

polymerizes is to form a very strong

adesive much stronger than PVA glue this

very strong glue is known as

superglue soft drink bottles are made of

polyethylene talate if you look near the

bottom of the bottle you will see this

sign this means that it can be recycled

which means that it can be broken apart

into their respective monomers and

polymerized once again this is important

because it reduces the amount of waste

in landfills imagine if these synthetic

polymers could not be recycled all the

soft drink bottle waste plastic

containers and certain packaging

materials would just accumulate with the

global population expanding at an

exponential rate without a good

recycling scheme in place this could

become a very serious environmental and

social issue an increasing ly important

synthetic polymer is polylactic acid or

pla used to make plastic cups and other

packaging

materials this is a polymer of lactic

acid which is obtained from the

bacterial fermentation of

carbohydrates these sugars can come from

corn or sugar cane all of which are

renewable resources because they can be

grown again and again if you exer excise

for an extended amount of time your

muscles begin to cramp this is due to

the production of lactic acid from

insufficient oxygen in your muscle cells

besides being derived from a renewable

resource pla is also

biodegradable in other words it can

break down naturally pla is sometimes

used in the medical field as dissolvable

stitches if you had to get stitches you

wouldn't have to return to the clinic or

hospital to have them removed because

they biodegrade naturally over time

another synthetic polymer with this real

life application is polyglycolic acid

imagine if we can one day dispose a food

container in our garden and find that it

has decomposed in a few days imagine if

we can recycle a soft drink bottle in

our own home the possibilities are

endless all with the intent to reduce

the impact of mass production of waste

on our planet in summary there are many

synthetic polymers with many real life

applications and in particular there is

an increased interest in recyclable and

biodegradable synthetic

polymers for