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.