Polymerization Lab Report

Polymer lab report

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INTRODUCTION

        Polymerization is the process by which small molecules known as monomers are reacted in order to form chains which are called polymers. The strength of the polymers formed does vary from a brittle plastic capable of melting in hot water, such as wax, to rubbery material which does not melt (Baker, 2001). This highly depends on the monomer unit structure together with the length of monomer chains. The branching of the chains also affects the strength of the polymers obtained. There are several properties in polymers which gives them the suitability for application. They are designed into filaments, while their structures which are chain-like, and give them great integrity of the structure, thus making their tensile strength to increase (Brown & Zhu, 2002).

There are two categories for polymerization reactions. These are the polymerization due to free radicals and the condensation polymerization (Cassagnau, 2008). Free radical polymerization takes place when there is a breakage of the double bonds which exist in the monomers, thus leaving an electron which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the monomer unit that is adjacent. Such examples include the polarization of Teflon. In this reaction, the monomer is Tetraflouroethylene, F2C-CF2. In the process of this reaction, the electrons are left behind on both ends after the double bond has broken down in the molecule. When this molecule is in contact with another monomer from Teflon, it will be excited by the loose electrons, thus breaking the double bonds and resulting into two radicals (Elsaesser, 2016).

The aim of this experiment was to provide practical experience on how polymer operates through its characterization techniques and conversion processes. This was achieved by developing knowledge on the practices and current technologies in relation to REX processing, using the twin screw to gain practical experience in REX processing, and developing experience through the use of analytical techniques and instruments which are used in the characterization of rheological, mechanical and thermal properties of the samples of CRPP.

Literature review on REX processing and the production of CRPP

Polymers are synthesized using the monomers which are petroleum-based. This field of polymer synthesis makes a distinction between different reactions in polymerization. These include mass polymerization, solution polymerization together with the polymerization in the phase of the gas. The process of mass polymerization takes place in the melt and helps in achieving high purities and throughputs. The rates of reaction which is however quite slow results in polymer sedimentation of the chains at high molecular weight. Solution polymerization is helpful in making the molecular weight to have higher homogeneity in the distribution of the molecular weight as a result of the use of solvents (Kohlgrüber, 2007).