Polymers Synthesis and Property AnalysisChemistry Project Yogesh Yadav XII ‘Science’ Sh - 3437 Atul Singh Arora Class: XII-D Roll No.: Teacher’s Signature This report or a similar report on the topic has not been submitted for any other examination and does not form part of any other course undergone by the candidate.………………… (Mr. Sign. Of Teacher …. Gopal) . CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the Project/Dissertation entitled Polymer Synthesis and property analysis is a bonafide work done by Master Yogesh Yadav of class XII ‘Science’ Session 2017-18 in partial fulfillment of CBSE’s AISSCE Examination 2017 and has been carried out under my direct supervision and guidance. N. . It goes without saying that the continuous support. (Yogesh Yadav) . ……. He patiently guided me through the writing process. I am also thankful to lab assistant Mr. who not only served as a subject teacher but also encouraged and challenged me throughout the course. never accepting less than my best efforts. of individuals. I am particularly grateful to Mr. CHOB SINGH for providing valuable reviews.………………. hard work and endless efforts of a large no.. N.GOPAL .. Acknowledgment The preparation of this document would not have been possible without the support. comments and suggestions during the finalization of the project. encouragement and advises of my classmates have contributed significantly to the finalization of the project as well as all studied under the subject CHEMISTRY. Polystyrene** 3. the continuously linked backbone of a polymer consists mainly of carbon atoms. whose repeating unit is based on ethylene (IUPAC name ethene) monomer (Image 2. cellulose) which are joined together by glycosidic bonds via oxygen atoms. for example.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis Aim of the Project The aim of this project is to find out the optimum conditions for synthesis of the following polymers. 1. examples Image 2. Due to the extraordinary range of properties accessible in polymeric materials. they have come to play an essential and ubiquitous role in everyday life . color etc. Bakelite* 2. as in this example. the term actually refers to a large class of natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties. Epoxy Resin** and to study their physical properties like flexibility. other structures do exist.from plastics and elastomers on the one hand to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are essential for life on the other. Page 1 .g. strength. A simple example is polyethylene. bounciness. The backbone of DNA is in fact based on repeating units of polysaccharides (e. Most commonly. [* Synthesized using chemicals available in the school laboratory] [** Synthesized using Industrial Reagents] General Overview A polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units typically connected by covalent chemical bonds. While polymer in popular usage suggests plastic. However.1 being silly putty and waterproof plumbing sealant. elements such as silicon form familiar materials such as silicones.1). 3 thousands of products as plastics.2 properties were changed making the rubber more flexible and temperature stable. Charles Goodyear discovered. tortoise shell. the Image 2. Such compounds may be true metallic conductors or semiconductors. elastomers.) of plastics with high electrical conductivities. the first synthetic fiber was developed as a replacement for silk in 1911. toughness. In 1839. was introduced under the name “Bakelite” (Image 2. Rayon. through a lucky accident. (Rubber was named by a chemist found that a piece of solidified latex gum was good for rubbing out pencil marks on paper. It is generally accepted that metals conduct electricity well and that organic compounds are insulating. coatings. Its original use was to make billiard balls. In Great Britain. when there was a need to develop synthetic rubber for tires and other wartime applications and nylon for parachutes. erasers are still called “rubbers”. the technology to mass produce them was not developed until World War II. and adhesives.) Natural rubber had only limited use as it became brittle in the cold and melted when warmed. Page 2 . Their properties can be fine-tuned using the exquisite methods of organic synthesis. and from distillation of organic materials. Since that time. They make up about 80% of the organic chemical industry with products produced at approximately 150 kg of polymers per person annually in the United States. conductive polymers are organic polymers that conduct electricity.2 & 2. Chemistry Project Natural polymers (from the Greek poly meaning “many” and meros meaning “parts”) are found in many forms such as horns of animals. Furthermore. That process became known as vulcanization. by Leo Baekeland in 1909. elasticity. that by heating the latex with sulfur. a phenol-formaldehyde polymer. but this class of materials combines the properties of both. rosin (from pine trees). The first synthetic polymer. Although many polymers were made in the following years.3). Today. polymers are commonly used in Image 2. etc. The biggest advantage of conductive polymers is their processibility. malleability. the polymer industry has grown and diversified into one of the fastest growing industries in the world. One of the most useful of the natural polymers was rubber. obtained from the sap of the hevea tree. Conductive polymers are also plastics (which are organic polymers) and therefore can combine the mechanical properties (flexibility. Image 3. It was used for its electrically nonconductive and heat-resistant properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators. pipe stems. Bakelite Brief Description Bakelite is a material based on the thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin. Leo Baekeland.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis Level of Caution 1. generally with a wood flour filler. and was also used in such diverse products as kitchenware. Formed by the reaction under heat and pressure of phenol (a toxic. Image 6.1 shows the structure of bakelite. jewellery. it was the first plastic made from synthetic components. In 1993 Bakelite was designated an ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.1 Page 3 . The retro appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectible in recent years. and children's toys. colourless crystalline solid) and formaldehyde (a simple organic compound). developed in 1907–1909 by Belgian Dr. slowly. Wash the plastic well before handling. Chemistry Project Precautions 1. Add 10 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid. measure 25 mL of the phenol-formaldehyde reaction mixture into a 150-mL beaker. 20 g phenol 2. It is listed as a carcinogen. Place the beaker on a white paper towel. Wear safety goggles at all times in the laboratory. dropwise. 150-mL beaker 2. 55 mL glacial acetic acid 4. At the point where polymerization begins. 2. a white precipitate will form and dissolve. and mucous membranes. Glacial acetic acid is an irritant and can cause burns on contact. Page 4 . 3. Formalin is an irritant to the skin. 5. Work under a hood and wear gloves and protective clothing when working with these materials. the white precipitate will not dissolve. 25g 40% formaldehyde 1. Phenol is toxic via skin contact. with stirring. stirring rod 3.) As the polymerization point is reached. 4. eyes. (You will need approximately 2 mL of HCl. Continue to stir as the plastic forms and becomes pink in color. conc Hydrochloric acid Procedure First make the Phenol-formaldehyde reaction mixture by mixing 25 g 36-40% formaldehyde + 20 g phenol + 55 mL glacial acetic acid. with stirring. Under a hood. Add additional hydrochloric acid. Materials Needed Chemicals: Apparatus: 1. It was light pink in color. and added it to the beaker slowly with constant stirring. It was the beaker. and it seemed the most plausible explanation to it and so to obtain a proper polymer. Depressed. or indirectly. after 3 minutes. half dipped in the beaker so that the contents were evenly heated. intermediate High AE energy reactant product reaction progress Page 5 . She asked me to indirectly heat it. I added a few drops after every 30 seconds. The sudden reaction broke the boiling tube. placed it over a sheet of paper. the moment it gains sufficient energy. I didn’t hear indirectly and heated the beaker over the flame for about 30 seconds. except this time. the polymerization starts rapidly. except solid. All the contents had poured out like foam. I fixed this boiling tube using a clamp stand. And by slowly I mean I almost emptied the test tube in about two minutes. Took a test tube full of HCl. Nothing happened. It had lots of pours in it and kind of looked like pumice stone. Ma’am said it happened because I’d supplied a lot of heat by direct heating. I collected the polymer and washed it. Both these experiments suggested that the reaction was extremely fast. And then suddenly there was this loud noise of some kind of explosion. Thinking there’s something wrong with the procedure. I walked away from it wondering what to do next. I took the chemicals given to me by Baboolal sir and followed the instructions. and caused a crack in the beaker. This time. I took the phenol-formaldehyde reaction mixture in a beaker. I could see something suddenly happen in the boiling tube. So no matter if its directly heated. I set up a large water filled beaker on a tripod stand with wire gauze and in a boiling tube took the reaction mixture. I went to ask for ma’ams advice. I added the same amount HCl as before. I modified the experimental setup after discussing it with ma’am. Due to certain reasons. I couldn’t figure the polymerization point as no precipitate appeared. I alerted ma’am but again it exploded. Its physical appearance was the same as before. but its activation energy was fairly high.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis What actually happened I was slightly nervous to try out something absolutely new and was uncertain of its results. I decided to take a reaction mixture in a beaker. I chose beaker over boiling tube. because as was apparent by the pores. heat it to a certain temperature (indirectly). Chemistry Project For determining the optimum conditions for the synthesis of Bakelite. Temperature Observations 40-35 *C No observable changes 50-45 *C Turbidity started apearing 60-55 *C Roughly Polymerization started 75-60 *C Semi Solid appeared at the bottom of the beaker 30-25 *C At long standing. and then add HCl to find out the optimum temperature. safer it would be to carry out the reaction. greater the surface area. the color changed to dark pink Property Analysis Test Result Flexibility Brittle Strength Low Bounciness Negligible Color Dark Pink Texture Slightly Porous Inertness Stable in air at room temp. Chemistry Behind it Phenol and Formaldehyde react in the following manner to make the polymer. Page 6 . and becoming solid again when cooling off. CD and DVD cases. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used kinds of plastic. and smoke detector housings. and has the number "6" as its recycling symbol. Polystyrene can be recycled. in disposable cutlery. It can be cast into molds with fine detail. particularly along shores and waterways. Products made from foamed polystyrene are nearly ubiquitous. insulation. and is often abundant as a form of pollution in the outdoor environment. Page 7 . but flows if heated above its glass transition temperature (for molding or extrusion). for example packing materials. which is in solid (glassy) state at room temperature. hard plastic with limited flexibility.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis + + The structure below shows the growing molecule of BAKELITE. Level of Caution 2. Pure solid polystyrene is a colorless. Solid polystyrene is used. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic substance. Polystyrene can be transparent or can be made to take on various colors. and foam drink cups. is an aromatic polymer made from the aromatic monomer styrene. POLYSTYRENE Brief Description Polystyrene (pronounced /ˌpɒliˈstaɪriːn/) (IUPAC Poly(1-phenylethane-1. a liquid hydrocarbon that is commercially manufactured from petroleum by the chemical industry.2-diyl)). som etiabbreviated PS. for example. Polystyrene does not biodegrade. plastic models. 2. Fill the syringe with methyl ethyl ketone. Vinyl Benzene (Styrene Casting Resin) 1. 3. Make the volume of Vinyl Benzene in test tube one equal to 5 mL. i. Measuring Cylinder 5. Wear safety goggles at all times in the laboratory. Place these in the thermostat with temperature set to 40 *C.5 mL to test tube one and stir it well. Repeat the above 2 steps with 4. Chemistry Project Precautions 1. a 5 mL Syringe 6.5 mL of Vinyl Benzene and 1. Now note the time as you add 5 divisions of the syringe. Test tubes 2. numbered test tubes and to each add 3mL of Vinyl Benzene. in the second test tube and so one. Page 8 . Thermostat 4.0 mL of methyl ethyl ketone. Stop Watch Procedure Take 4 clean. Materials Needed Chemicals: Apparatus: 1. so use gloves. Styrene may pose health risks if it comes in contact with the body. Methyl ethyl ketone (Casting resin catalyst) 2. 0. Stirring rod 3. 4. Styrene resin is sticky.e. Work under a hood and wear gloves and protective clothing when working with these materials. Start the stop watch. 5 3 2.0 2 hours 18 minutes 1.5 1 0.5 2 2.5 2 Time 1.5 Concentration Page 9 .5 3 hours 14 minutes 1.5 2 hours 10 minutes 2.5 0 0 0.5 1 1.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis What actually happened Concentration of catalyst Time taken to cure 0.0 2 hours 3 minutes 3. Transparent Texture Smooth Inertness Stable in air at room temp. it burns with an orange-yellow flame. Chemistry Behind it The chemical makeup of polystyrene is a long chain hydrocarbon with every other carbon connected to a phenyl group (the name given to the aromatic ring benzene. This addition polymer of styrene results when vinyl benzene styrene monomers (which contain double bonds between carbon atoms) attach to form a polystyrene chain (with each carbon attached with a single bond to two other carbons and a phenyl group). giving off soot. Complete oxidation of polystyrene produces only carbon dioxide and water vapor. which burn with a light yellow flame (often with a blue tinge) and no soot. when bonded to complex carbon substituents). Chemistry Project Property Analysis Test Result Flexibility Low Strength Medium Bounciness Negligible Color Yellowish. Page 10 . Polystyrene's chemical formula is (C8H8)n. Because it is an aromatic hydrocarbon. as opposed to non- aromatic hydrocarbon polymers such as polyethylene. it contains the chemical elements carbon and hydrogen. Pierre Castan of Switzerland and Dr. Page 11 . Many properties of epoxies can be modified (for example silver-filled epoxies with good electrical conductivity are available. EPOXY RESIN Brief Description Epoxy or polyepoxide is a thermosetting polymer formed from reaction of an epoxide "resin" with polyamine "hardener". Wear gloves at all times. S.O.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis Level of Caution 3. epoxies are known for their excellent adhesion. Both the chemicals are sticky so avoid contact with bare hands. The chemistry of epoxies and the range of commercially available variations allows cure polymers to be produced with a very broad range of properties. adhesives and composite materials such as those using carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforcements (although polyester. Work under a hood and wear gloves and protective clothing when working with these materials. 2. Epoxy has a wide range of applications. good-to-excellent mechanical properties and very good electrical insulating properties. and other thermosetting resins are also used for glass-reinforced plastic). are available. chemical and heat resistance. including fiber-reinforced plastic materials and general purpose adhesives. although epoxies are typically electrically insulating). The hardner. Precautions 1. Wear safety goggles at all times in the laboratory. Greenlee of the United States in 1936. or thermal conductivity combined with high electrical resistance for electronics applications. vinyl ester. 3. The applications for epoxy-based materials are extensive and include coatings. Triethylenetetramine may cause allergic reactions. Variations offering high thermal insulation. In general. 4. Credit for the first synthesis of bisphenol-A-based epoxy resins is shared by Dr. Stop Watch Take 4 clean. Repeat the above 2 steps with 4. Chemistry Project Materials Needed Chemicals: 1. Epoxy Resin (formed by reaction between + epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A) Apparatus: 1. Now note the time as you add 5 divisions of the syringe. Make the volume of Resin in test tube one equal to 5 mL. yellowish 2.5 28 minutes almost clear.5 mL to test tube one and stir it well. (7 *C) What actually happened at 40 *C Concentration of catalyst Time taken to cure Appearance 0. Start the stop watch. 0. i. Test tubes 2.0 20 minutes slightly frothy. Stirring rod 2. Hardener (Triethylenetetramine) 3.5 12 minutes frothy.0 mL of Triethylenetetramine .0 10 minutes very frothy. a 5 mL Syringe Procedure 6. yellowish Page 12 . Measuring Cylinder 5. Place these in the thermostat with temperature set to 40 *C. yellowish 1.e. Repeat all the steps and keep this set at room temperature. Thermostat 4. in the second test tube and so one.5 mL of Resin and 1. numbered test tubes and to each add 3mL of Resin. Fill the syringe with Triethylenetetramine . yellowish 1. 5 2 2.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis at 40 *C 30 25 20 Time (min) 15 10 5 0 0 0.5 Concentration Page 13 .5 1 1.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 Concentration at 7 *C 180 160 140 120 100 Time (min) 80 60 40 20 0 0 0. Most common epoxy resins are produced from a reaction between epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A. transparent 2.0 150 minutes almost clear. though the latter may be replaced by similar chemicals. and ambient temperatures. Unreactive to Acids Chemistry Behind it Epoxy is a copolymer. Some formulations benefit from heating during the cure period. for example Triethylenetetramine (TETA). the process can take minutes to hours. so that the resulting polymer is heavily crosslinked. Each NH group can react with an epoxide group. ‘starry’ 1. The hardener consists of polyamine monomers. the amine groups react with the epoxide groups to form a covalent bond.5 130 minutes fewer bubbles. When these compounds are mixed together.5 170 minutes almost clear 1. The resin consists of monomers or short chain polymers with an epoxide group at either end. whereas others simply require time. it is formed from two different chemicals. The process of polymerization is called "curing". Chemistry Project at 7 *C Concentration of catalyst Time taken to cure Appearance 0. and can be controlled through temperature and choice of resin and hardener compounds. almost transparent Property Analysis Test Result Flexibility Low Strength High Bounciness Negligible Color Transparent Texture Smooth Inertness Stable in air at room temp. These are referred to as the "resin" and the "hardener". that is. and is thus rigid and strong. Page 14 .0 95 minutes bubbles. Polystyrene It cures faster at higher concentrations of the catalyst. The optimum temperature range for synthesis of this polymer was found to be over 40 *C at the tested concentrations of the catalyst.Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis + + RESULT Bakelite It’s optimum synthesis temperature range was found to be 70-80 *C. Page 15 . Its synthesis requires high activation energy but the reaction is kinetically very fast. The strength of the polymer was independent of the concentration ratio of the resin and catalyst. Epoxy Resin It cures faster at high concentrations of its catalyst. Its kinetics are complex as its concentration v/s curing time graph was found to be irregular. The strength of the polymer was independent of the concentration ratio of the resin and catalyst. It also cures faster at higher temperature. The optimum temperature range for synthesis of this polymer was found to be 5-10 *C at the tested concentrations of the catalyst. The reaction may be following first order kinetics as the concentration v/s curing time graph was found to be close to linear. ssrn.co.wikipedia.ws/mactest/styrene.nih.htm http://www.com/workshop/images/info/foams/index.about.com/od/pstartinventions/a/plastics.pslc.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090717144012AAKmCyb http://inventors.ncbi.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430229/ http://www.wikipedia.barrule.in/webhp?hl=en http://en.wikipedia.asp?CID=1421&DID=5213 Page 16 .cfm?abstract_id=1420502 http://answers.htm http://www.wikipedia.americanchemistry.htm http://www.org/wiki/Bakelite http://papers. Chemistry Project REFERENCES http://www.org/wiki/Polystyrene http://en.org/wiki/Styrene http://en.google.nlm.com/s_plastics/sec_pfpg.org/wiki/Epoxy http://en.com/sol3/papers. Polymers Synthesis and Property Analysis Chemistry Project for any further details or clarification..com ~ Cell: +91 9818055646 ~ Landline: +91 011 65683657 . suggestions etc. contact me Email: toatularora@gmail.