5 Important Industrial Chemicals of Addition Polymerization

In addition polymerization, the monomers simply join together to form the polymer which has the same empirical formula as the monomer, but is of a higher molecular mass. The polymerization may be represented as follows:

                   nA – (A)n      where A is the monomer.

The monomers must be simple, unsaturated molecules with double bonds, e.g.

  • Ethane and propene, or
  • Substituted ethenes of the type, CH2 = CHX

Where X can be

– H, – R, – CI, – CN, or   

Most monomers are derived from petrochemicals. The cracking process in oil refineries produces a number of unsaturated hydrocarbons. Of these, ethane, CH2CH2, is the most important (the group, CH2 = CH- was formerly known as vinyl). Polymers made from ethane or its derivatives are called vinyl-type polymers.  

Addition polymers include

  • Poly (ethene),
  • Poly (chloroethene),
  • Poly (phenylethene),
  • Perspex, and
  • Poly (propenonitrile).

Poly(ethene): If ethane is subjected to a high temperature of about 250oC and pressure above 1500atm, together with traces of oxygen (as an initiator), it polymerizes into poly (ethene). This polymer, which is also known as polythene, can be represented as [CH2 – CH2]n, where n = 1000 to 10 000.

The poly(ethene) obtained by the above method is called low density poly(ethene). There is also a high density poly(ethene), prepared at a lower temperature and pressure by using catalysts.

Low density poly(ethane) is used in making a wide range of products. The most important ones are plastic bags, bottles, kitchen wares, and transparent films for packaging garments and foodstuff. It is also used as wire and cable insulators because of its insulating properties.

High density poly(ethene) is used for making large boxes, crates, detergent bottles dustbins and harder plastic bags than-those made from low density poly(ethane).

Poly(chloroethene): Poly(chloroethene) is also known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC. It is manufactured from either ethane or ethyne. Ethane is first chlorinated to form chloroethene (vinyl chloride), CH2=CHCI, which is the starting monmer. Chloroethene is polymerized at about 55oC under pressure in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as catalyst.

 

 

 

 

Specially hardened poly (chloroethene) is used for making tough plastic pipes, cable coverings, artificial leather cloths, records and even tiles. Plasticized poly(chloroethene) is quite soft and flexible and is used for making things like shower curtains, table cloths, raincoats and hand gloves.

Poly (phenylethene): Another good product of Addition polymerization commonly known as polystyrene, poly(phenylethene) is made from the monomer phenylethene (or styrene) by refluxing, using a solution of benzoyl peroxide as catalyst.

Polystyrene is a clear transparent plastic which is hard but brittle. When air, coupled with a foaming agent, is blown into heated polystyrene, it expands into a light, white, opaque solid that floats in water. This is known as expanded polystyrene or Styrofoam.

Polystyrene is used for making see-through containers and lighter fixtures since it is a good electrical insulator. Expanded polystyrene is used as ceiling tiles and lamp shades because of its lightness. Due to its high compressibility, it is widely used as packing materials or as shock absorbers for fragile objects during transportation. It is also used for making disposable cups and food containers, especially in fast-food shops.

 

Perspex: This is another product of addition polymerization. If the disubstituted ethane, methyl 2-methyl-propenoate, is heated, it polymerizes to give poly(methyl 2-methypropenoate) or PMMA for short. This material is commonly known as Perspex. An organic catalyst, lauryl peroxide, is used in this process.

Perspex is a strong, hard, transparent thermoplastic with a glossy surface. Because of its glasslike appearance, it is often used as a replacement for glass. Unfortunately, unlike glass, it is easily scratched.

 

Perspex is used to make car rear lights, wind-shields, window-panes, fish tanks, contact lenses, street-lamp housing and others.

Poly(propenonitrile): Propenonitrile is the starting monomer for preparing the polymer, poly (propenonitrile). This product of addition polymerization is derived from ethane by substituting one of the hydrogen atoms with a –CN group. The polymer formed is commonly known as polyacrylonitrile. The catalyst for this polymerization is an organic peroxide.

Poly(propenonitrile) is used chiefly for making textile. It is spun into threads and used for making woolly garments. One such material is popularly known as Orlon.