In: Mechanical Engineering
Determine which of the following polymers are the result of polymerization, and which are the result of post-polymerization processing. Explain!
1. low density polyethylene
2. high density polyethylene
3. phenol-formaldehyde
4. heavily cross-linked polyisoprene (glass trans. temp: 50C)
5. lightly cross-linked polyisoprene (glass trans. temp: -60C)
1) Low density polythylene - polymerization
It is made by a method called free radical polymerization under high pressure. It was the first and typcal grade of polythene ever made.
2. High density polythylene - post - polymerization
It is made by catalytic polymerization if petroleum using catalysts
3. Phenol Formaldehyde - Polymerization
They are formed by a step-growth polymerization reaction that can be either acid- or base-catalysed.
4. heavily cross-linked polyisoprene - post - polymerization
Sulphur treatment to improve cross-linking
5. lightly cross-linked polyisoprene - polymerization
They have light cross links that they posses while being formed naturally.