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Plastics can be made with different polymer materials.

Polystyrene

If the picture on the right represent polystyrene, what would you call the picture on the left?

A. poly(polystyrene)B. mono(polystyrene)C. styreneD. monostyreneE. I need more information

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styrene Polystyrene

Styrofoam

Different polymers have different properties, 

which can be used to make various consumer 

products.

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Polyester fabrics — “wash and wear”

They are easy to wash, quick to dry, no ironing needed. 

There was even a moviecalled "Polyester“ whichshowcased a carefreelifestyle.

It is a reference to the“wash and wear” natureof polyester, which allowsyou to spend more timehaving fun rather thandoing household chores.

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Soda and water bottles are made of Polyester

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Other than the type of material, 

the shape of polymers also affect their properties.

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– softer, more flexible– more rigid, tougher

Branched polymer chainLinear polymer chain

Ultra‐high‐density polyethylene (UHD‐PE)

Helmet

Gears

Joint Replacement

Joint Replacement

Chain Length n = 2 – 6 million units

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Ultra‐high‐density polyethylene (UHD‐PE)

Helmet

2 – 6 million

Low‐Density Polyethylene (LD‐PE) 1000 – 2000

High‐Density Polyethylene (HD‐PE) 10,000 – 100,000

Chain Length (n)

Polymers with different shapes

Linear

• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), PVC

Branched

• Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Cross‐linked

• Rubber

Network

• Nylon, Kevlar, epoxy

Branched Cross‐Linked NetworkLinear

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Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) + Borax= Slime

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To produce plastics for making different products, what can you do?

A. Use different material. 

B. Change the proportions of material used.

C. Use polymers with different shapes.

D. A and B only

E. A, B and C

Nylon

Kevlar

Teflon

Silicone (inorganic polymer)

Other Common Synthetic Polymers

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Kevlar

What shape of polymer chain are nylon and Kevlar?

A. LinearB. BranchedC. Cross linkedD.Networked

Nylon

Nylon was the first totally synthetic fiber

The name nylon is derived from two cities where it was discovered namely New York (NY) and London (LON).

Invented after extensive research effort to make synthetic fiber to replace natural fibers such as cotton and silk.

From inception (1930) to production (1938),

more than 230 chemists and engineers over 8 years at a cost of $27 million ($450 million in today’s dollar)

Invented by the chemical company DuPont in 1935.

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Wallace Carothers — Inventor of Nylon

“He did leave a lasting impression — especially on women's legs.”

(1886 ~ 1937)

He didn't live long enough to see his most famous invention put to work. 

Nylon is a huge commercial success

On May 15, 1940, the first day nylon stockings went on sale in the US, nearly 800,000 pairs were sold!

Seven months later, 4,000,000 pairs sold out in four days.

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Nylon is used in clothes,shoes, jackets, belts,and tires. There is evena magazine named afterthis polymer.

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Kevlar

The Invention of Kevlar

With your group, brainstorm ideas about

1. Why Kevlar might have been invented.

2. Who invented it.

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Stephanie Kwolek — Inventor of Kevlar

"I don't think there's anything like saving someone's life tobring you satisfaction and happiness” — “Women in Chemistry”

Kevlar was an accidental invention

Kwolek was trying to synthesize a lightweight, strong fiber to be used in tires.

She obtained something that is NOT an ideal candidate for what she is looking for. 

But she insisted that the material be spun into fiber and tested.

The fiber was found to be super strong.

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Plastics Recycling

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The favorite properties of plastics are that they are inertand won't react with what is stored in them. They are alsodurable and won't easily decay, dissolve, or break apart.

But these same great qualities means when you throw them away, they won't decompose.

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Since they don’t decompose, one answer is to recyclethe plastics so they can be remade into something else.

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The decks, fence, stepping stones, house shingles, and the sweat shirt, were all made from recycled plastic.

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A mile-long boardwalk at Yellowstone National Park was made from recycled plastics.

A. High Density Polyethylene

B. Low Density Polyethylene

C. Ultra High Density Polyethylene

D. Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

E. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

If this boardwalk is made from plastic laundry bottles, which type of plastic is it made from?