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Unlock your guides14.6 Diene Polymers: Natural and Synthetic Rubbers
2 min read•may 7, 2024
are fascinating materials formed from with two double bonds. They're the backbone of natural and , with their structure influencing flexibility and rigidity. Understanding these polymers is key to grasping their wide-ranging applications.
The process and configuration of diene polymers determine their properties. Natural rubbers like offer elasticity, while synthetic versions like provide chemical resistance. further enhances rubber's strength and durability, making it essential in countless products.
Diene Polymers
Structure of diene polymers
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- Formed from monomers containing two double bonds (dienes) such as and
- Polymerization occurs through mechanism (an example of )
- Initiator attacks one double bond, forming a new bond and reactive center
- Reactive center attacks another monomer at 4th carbon, forming new bond and propagating chain
- Continues until termination
- Resulting polymer has backbone with alternating single and double bonds
- Double bonds can be cis or
- leads to more flexible polymers ()
- Trans configuration results in more rigid polymers ()
Natural vs synthetic rubbers
- Natural rubber (polyisoprene)
- Obtained from sap of tree
- Primarily cis-1,4 configuration, high elasticity and flexibility
- Used in tires, rubber bands, elastic products
- Gutta-percha (polyisoprene)
- Obtained from sap of certain tropical trees
- Primarily trans-1,4 configuration, more rigid and less elastic
- Used in golf ball covers, insulating material
- Synthetic rubbers
- Neoprene ()
- Produced by polymerization of
- Good resistance to oils, chemicals, abrasion
- Used in wetsuits, gaskets, hoses
- ()
- Copolymer of styrene and 1,3-butadiene
- Good abrasion resistance, less expensive than natural rubber
- Used in car tires, conveyor belts, shoe soles
- Neoprene ()
Vulcanization process and effects
- Process that improves properties of rubber by polymer chains
- Involves heating rubber with sulfur or other vulcanizing agents
- Sulfur forms cross-links between polymer chains, creating network structure
- Effects on physical properties of rubber
- Increases strength and durability
- Reduces plasticity and permanent deformation
- Improves resistance to solvents, chemicals, abrasion
- Decreases solubility and gas permeability
- Degree of vulcanization can be controlled for desired properties
- Low levels result in soft, elastic rubber
- High levels result in hard, rigid rubber
Polymer Classification and Properties
- : Polymers with elastic properties, capable of recovering their original shape after deformation
- : Polymers that soften when heated and harden when cooled, allowing for reshaping
- : Polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds during curing, resulting in a rigid, infusible product
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