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UPPCS Chemistry Gap Sheet: Polymers and Fibres.
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First, the concept
A polymer has repeating units joined into large molecules. Natural polymers include cellulose and proteins; synthetic polymers include nylon and polyethylene. A fibre may be natural, regenerated or fully synthetic.
Thermoplastics soften on heating and can be reshaped. Thermosetting plastics form a cross-linked network and do not simply remelt. Biodegradability depends on structure and conditions, not just whether a material is called plastic.
✅ Already asked (20)
Natural and regenerated fibres
- Cotton · Mainly cellulose, a natural polysaccharide.
- Jute · Plant fibre rich in cellulose, with lignin and other components.
- Wool · Protein fibre, mainly keratin.
- Silk · Natural protein fibre, mainly fibroin; contains nitrogen.
- Rayon · Regenerated cellulose; artificial silk.
- Natural rubber · Mainly cis-polyisoprene; isoprene is its monomer.
- Starch · Natural glucose polymer used by plants for energy storage.
Synthetic materials
- Nylon-6 · Polyamide made from caprolactam.
- Nylon-6,6 · Polyamide from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
- Polyester fibre · PET is made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
- Acrylic fibre · Commonly based on polyacrylonitrile; used as a wool substitute.
- Polyethylene · Ethene polymer; also called polythene.
- PVC · Polyvinyl chloride; monomer is vinyl chloride.
- Teflon · PTFE, a tetrafluoroethene polymer; non-stick coating.
- Bakelite · Phenol–formaldehyde thermosetting resin.
- Neoprene · Chloroprene polymer; synthetic rubber.
- Kevlar · Strong aramid fibre used in protective armour.
- Lexan · Polycarbonate trade name; used in impact-resistant transparent materials.
- Vulcanised rubber · Sulphur cross-links rubber chains, improving strength and elasticity.
Biodegradable examples
- Nylon-2–nylon-6 · Biodegradable copolyamide made from glycine and aminocaproic acid.
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Biodegradable examples: 2
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⚠️ Rayon is regenerated cellulose, not modified starch; Teflon contains fluorine.
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