The world of polymers is extremely excited one unfolding wonders endlessly. A polymer is a macromolecule composed of many small molecules called monomer which react among themselves chemically to form long chain or three-dimensional network. Both natural and synthetic polymers play a very important role in our day-to-day life because of their wide range of properties. The most commonly available polymer in nature is cellulose which is formed of the monomer, glucose and over 75% of a plant body is made up of cellulose.
The top five industrial polymers are listed below:
Adhesives
A large variety of synthetic adhesives are available in the market. They are based on elastomers, thermoplastics, emulsions and thermosets. Polyurethane, cyanoacrylate, acrylic polymers are examples of thermosetting adhesives. An effective adhesive must have some common properties. It must be able to wet the substance to be joined. It must become hard after application and it must be able to take load between the substances where it is applied. Strength of adhesion depends on various factors. There are various means by which adhesives work. Chemical bond between adhesive and adherend may be one of the means. In some case electrostatic forces bind the adherends.
Flame Retardants
Polymers and products derived from polymers are used everywhere in our everyday life. Composite materials which consist of organic polymer matrix are reinforced with either glass or natural fibres. Composite materials have great physical, thermal, chemical properties. Glass fibre is one of the main applications of epoxy resin composites. In printed wiring boards large amount of composite material is a glass-fibre reinforced laminate of epoxies which meets the flame retardancy standards. A flame retardant blocks the release of gaseous fuel and result in charring which act as a thermal barrier. An increased amount of char reduces the amount of combustible gases reaching the flame.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is further classified as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) based on their properties. They have some common properties. They are chemically inert, thermally stable and bad conductors of electricity. LDPE are flexible. HDPE on the other hand are tough and have high tensile strength. LDPE and HDPE are used to make flexible pipes, soft toys, squeeze bottles, electric insulation, etc.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is resistant to acids and alkalis. They have high tensile strength. They are used in auto parts, industrial fibres and in making food containers, wrapping materials, etc.
Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
They are insulators and are used in making pipes, fencing, chairs, non-food bottles, toys, vinyl flooring etc.
KPL International is one of the leading and reputed polymer distributors of India. They provide all the above listed polymers.
