Category Science

How are monomers combined?

            We have been talking about polymers a lot. But how are they synthesized? A polymer is made by combining monomers to form a long chain and for this; monomers react and combine in a process called polymerization.

            A monomer has the capacity to form chemical bonds with at least two other monomer molecules. Nucleic acid is a natural polymer which is formed when nucleotide monomers bond. How does a PVC pipe take shape? Vinyl chloride is the monomer that reacts in a certain fashion to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

            Polymers are formed either by repeated addition or condensation of monomers. Accordingly, polymerization is generally of two types which we will talk about later in detail.

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What are the characteristics of polymers?

          Polymers can be processed in various ways. The characteristics of polymers depend on the chemical bonding between the monomers and the process used to make them. However, polymers have some common attributes.

         Generally, all polymers have long chains consisting of hundreds of monomers. Most polymers show a high resistance to chemicals. Look at the cleaning materials used in your house. When it comes in contact with your skin or eyes, it can cause rashes or itching. But they are safely packed in plastic bottles and the packaging remains unaffected by its contents.

          They resist heat and that’s why, most of the handles of cook-wares are made of plastics. They are good electrical insulators as well. Remember Bakelite, which is used to insulate electric wires. All electric appliances, cords and wirings are covered with polymeric materials.

          Polymers are light in weight, but have significant strength and their inherent properties can be enhanced by using a range of additives. They do not generally melt; because of their structure, they change from crystalline to a semi-crystalline form when heated.

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How are synthetic polymers made?

          Polymers are made by bonding monomers. The process of formation of a polymer is known as polymerization and each polymer has a different combination of sub units.

         Many of the polymers are made by breaking up hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are heated up to break the large molecules into smaller ones. This is done in the presence of a catalyst, a material that speeds up the chemical reaction.

         To understand more about the process, let’s look at how plastic is made. To make plastic, natural gases or crude oil are broken down into monomers such as ethylene or butane. These monomers are then combined to form polymers in a chemical reaction. The properties of polymers depend on how the monomers are being bonded.

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Can we chemically modify natural polymers?

          Natural polymers can be modified by chemical treatment.

          The product obtained after the modification is known as a semi-synthetic polymer. A new polymer is synthesized out of a naturally occurring one and hence the name!

          Vulcanized rubber is a semi-synthetic polymer. Rubber in its natural form is not thermally stable. It becomes very hard when it is cold and melts down in heat. But, when treated with sulphur, rubber achieves thermal stability and becomes flexible and can be used to make a range of useful products. This chemical treatment of rubber is known as vulcanization.

           Similarly, many other natural polymers can be modified into semi-synthetic polymers with desirable properties.

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How can I make my career in the field of Geology? Do I have to take Science or Arts?

Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials it is made up of, the structure of the materials and the processes by which they change. To pursue a career in this field, you must have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in 10+2. After that you may go for graduation in Science (B.Sc.) followed by post-graduation in Geology. Or else, go for B.Tech. in Mining Engineering followed by M.Tech.

Geologists work in the areas of exploration and production, water supply, environmental engineering and geological surveying. Other areas include environmental planning, hydrogeology and pollution control. Employment is often found within the oil, gas and petroleum sector, the groundwater and construction companies.

 

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I am a student of Std VIII. I want to pursue my career in astronomy. I want to join ISRO. What are the qualifications and degrees required? Please list the suitable colleges in Mumbai to pursue this.

The first step is to take Mathematics and Physics in 10+2. There are not many universities in India which offer an undergraduate programme in Astronomy, so you should go for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics. Then go for M.Sc. followed by Ph.D.; this will enable you to become an astronomer. If you are keen on joining ISRO, then one of the modes is through Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Trivandrum. IIST offers 4-year B.Tech. programmes and 5-year dual degree programmes and admission is on the basis of your score in the JEE Advance examination. After completion of the programme, students, on the basis of merit, are absorbed by ISRO.

 

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