Unit 3- Class 2- High Polymers (Classification)

Classification of polymers:

 
I.    Based on their sources they are classified into
1.    Natural polymers: The polymers, which are obtained from natural sources such as plants and animals, are called natural polymers.
       Egs. Wood, cellulose, Jute, Cotton, Wool, Silk, Proteins, Natural rubber etc.
         
2.    Synthetic polymers: The polymers, which are synthesized from simple molecules, are called synthetic polymers.
      Egs: Nylon66, PVC, Polystyrene, Teflon, Plexiglass, Polyesters, Polyethylene etc.


II.    Based on their thermal behaviour thy are classified into   
1. Thermoplastic polymers: egs: PVC, Polyethylene etc.
2. Thermosetting polymers: egs: Bakelite, Urea-Formaldehyde etc. 



III.   Based on their mechanism of polymerization they are classified into 
 1. Addition polymers: egs: PVC, Polyethylene etc.
2. Condensation polymers: egs: Nylon66, Polyester etc.

 

IV. Based on their properties they are classified into
    
         1. Elastomers egs; Natural rubber
         2. Fibres        egs: Jute, Wood, Silk etc
         3. Resins        egs: Urea- Formaldehyde, Epoxy resins, Phenol- Formaldehyde etc.
         4. Plastics      egs: Plexiglass, PVC, Teflon etc.

This is the brief classification, In the next classes, we will learn about polymerization