List of synthetic polymers

Some familiar household synthetic polymers include:

non-biodegradable and often synthesized from petroleum, alternatives like bioplastics are also being considered. They are however expensive when compared to the synthetic polymers.^[2]

IUPAC definition

Artificial polymer: Man-made polymer that is not a biopolymer.
Note 1: Artificial polymer should also be used in the case of chemically
modified biopolymers.
Note 2: Biochemists are now capable of synthesizing copies of biopolymers
that should be named Synthetic biopolymer to make a distinction
with true biopolymers.
Note 3: Genetic engineering is now capable of generating non-natural analogues
of biopolymers that should be referred to as artificial biopolymers, e.g.,
artificial protein, artificial polynucleotide, etc.^[3]

Inorganic polymers

Organic polymers

The eight most common types of synthetic organic polymers, which are commonly found in households are:

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polystyrene (PS)
Nylon, nylon 6, nylon 6,6
Teflon
(Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Thermoplastic polyurethanes
(TPU)

List of some
addition polymers
and their uses
Polymer	Abbreviation	Properties	Uses
Low-density polyethylene	LDPE	Chemically inert, flexible, insulator	Squeeze bottles, toys, flexible pipes, insulation cover (electric wires), six-pack rings, etc.
High-density polyethylene	HDPE	Inert, tensile strength	Bottles, pipes, inner insulation (dielectric) of coax cable (see also PTFE), plastic bags, etc.
Polypropylene	PP	Resistant to acids and alkalies , High tensile strength	Auto parts, industrial fibers, food containers, liner in bags, dishware and as a wrapping material for textiles and food
Polystyrene (thermocole)	PS	Thermal insulator. Properties depends on the form, expanded form is tough and rigid	plastic cutlery
Polytetrafluoroethylene	PTFE	Very low coefficient of friction, excellent dielectric properties, chemically inert	Low friction coax cable (see also HDPE), coating against chemical attack etc.
Polyvinyl chloride	PVC	Insulator, flame retardant, chemically inert	Pipe (mainly draining), fencing, lawn chairs, hand-bags, curtain clothes, non-food bottles, raincoats, toys, vinyl flooring, electrical installation insulations, etc.
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene	PCTFE	Stable to heat and thermal attacks, high tensile strength and non wetting	gaskets etc.

Brand names

These polymers are often better known through their brand names, for instance:

Brand Name	Polymer	Characteristic properties	Uses
Bakelite	Phenol-formaldehyde resin	High electric, heat and chemical resistance	Insulation of wires, manufacturing sockets, electrical devices, brake pads, etc.
Kevlar	Para-aramid fibre	High tensile strength	Manufacturing armour, sports and musical equipment. Used in the field of cryogenics
Twaron	Para-aramid	Heat resistant and strong fibre	optical fibre cables, etc. and as an asbestos substitute
Mylar	Polyethylene terephthalate film	High strength and stiffness, less permeable to gases, almost reflects light completely	Food packaging, rollsigns and solar cooking stoves
Neoprene	Polychloroprene	Chemically inert	Manufacturing waterproof seat covers, substitute for corks and latex
Nylon	Polyamide	Silky, thermoplastic and resistant to biological and chemical agents	toothbrushes . Molded nylon is used in making machine screws, gears etc.
Nomex	Meta-aramid polymer	Excellent thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance, rigid, durable and fireproof .	Hood of circuit boards and transformer cores and in Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment
Orlon	Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)	Wool-like, resistant to chemicals, oils, moths and sunlight	Used for making clothes and fabrics like carbon fibres
Rilsan	Polyamide 11 & 12	Bioplastic	Used in high-performance applications such as sports shoes, electronic device components, automotive fuel lines, pneumatic airbrake tubing, oil and gas flexible pipes and control fluid umbilicals, and catheters .
Technora	Copolyamid	High tensile strength, resistance to corrosion, heat, chemicals and saltwater	Used for manufacturing drumheads, automotive industry, ropes, wire ropes and cables
Teflon	Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)	Very low coefficient of friction, excellent dielectric properties, high melting, chemically inert	corrosive chemicals.
Ultem	Polyimide	Heat,flame and solvent resistant. Has high dielectric strength	Used in medical and chemical instrumentation, also in guitar picks
Vectran	aromatic polyester	High thermal and chemical stability. Golden color. Has high strength, low creep, and is moisture resistant	Used as reinforcing fibres for ropes, bike tires and in electronics applications. Is the key component of a line of inflatable spacecraft developed by Bigelow Aerospace
Viton	Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)	Elastomer	Depends on the grade of the polymer. Viton B is used in chemical process plants and gaskets.
Zylon	poly-p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO)	Very high tensile strength and thermal stability	Used in table tennis blades, body armor , etc.

Summary Chart

Plastic identification codes

References

ISBN 978-1-56990-397-1
. Retrieved 15 July 2012.

ISBN 978-1-118-17704-4
. Retrieved 15 July 2012.

ISBN 978-0-9678550-9-7
.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_synthetic_polymers&oldid=1194969814"

[PeacockCalhoun2006-1] ISBN 978-1-56990-397-1
. Retrieved 15 July 2012.

[Pilla2011-2] ISBN 978-1-118-17704-4
. Retrieved 15 July 2012.

[3] ISBN 978-0-9678550-9-7
.

[2]

[3]