Polymer Science and Innovative Applications

Materials, Techniques, and Future Developments

Mariam Al Ali AlMaadeed,Deepalekshmi Ponnamma,Marcelo A. Carignano

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9780128173039
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Materials Science
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Polymer Science and Innovative Applications: Materials, Techniques, and Future Developments introduces the science of innovative polymers and composites, their analysis via experimental techniques and simulation, and their utilization in a variety of application areas. This approach helps to unlock the potential of new materials for product design and other uses. The book also examines the role that these applications play in the human world, from pollution and health impacts, to their potential to make a positive contribution in areas including environmental remediation, medicine and healthcare, and renewable energy. Advantages, disadvantages, possibilities, and challenges relating to the utilization of polymers in human society are included.

• Presents the latest advanced applications of polymers and their composites and identifies key areas for future development
• Introduces the simulation methods and experimental techniques involved in the modification of polymer properties, supported by clear and detailed images and diagrams
• Supports an interdisciplinary approach, enabling readers across different fields to harness the power of new materials for innovative applications

Chapter 1

Polymers to improve the world and lifestyle: physical, mechanical, and chemical needs

Mariam Al Ali AlMaadeed¹, Deepalekshmi Ponnamma² and Ali Alaa El-Samak³, ¹Qatar University, Doha, Qatar, ²Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar, ³Materials Science & Technology Program (MATS), College of Arts & Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar

Abstract

The wide-ranging applications of polymers are due to their important advantages that involve their relatively low cost, low density, resistance to corrosion, resistance to most chemicals, and easier manufacturing designs. Their lightweight and flexible designs are crucial in applying polymers in the majority of industrial and technological applications such as aircraft engineering, space studies, packaging, and smart biomaterials. The properties of the polymers highly depend on the monomer units present within them, the connection points or nodes, their conformation, and the chemical and physical attributes of the monomers. Though polymers cover a large area ranging from elastomers to thermosets, their elasticity, insulating behavior, ductility, optical, and conducting properties sometimes necessitates additional reinforcements. Polymers can be transferred to different types of composites, and find extensive applications in environmental technologies, energy generation, storage devices, solar cells, and biomedical engineering. This chapter discusses the increase in production rate and cost of polymers during the past century up to the present date. It also provides the basic concepts of the physical, chemical, and mechanical strategies of polymers that can make them applicable in improving global lifestyles.

Keywords

Technology; polymeric; lifestyle; smart materials

1.1 Introduction

The role of polymers in biological processes is significant as they are the molecular basis of life [1–5]. The relationship of polymers with biorelated fields start from macromolecular deoxyribonucleic acid to medicines and biomedical devices. Proteins, carbohydrates such as polysaccharides, enzymes, and tissues are arranged in the form of repeating structural units similar to that of polymer skeletons [6,7]. As living tissues are composed of polymers, these macromolecules are considered as natural allies of medicines. Many polymers like polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyethylene, silicones, polycarbonate, fluorocarbons, and so forth are used in medical fields [8]. However, biocompatibility, toxicity, biodegradability, among others, are major concerns when applying synthetic polymers in medical sectors. Biomimetic synthetic phospholipid membranes for coatings, cellophanes for kidney-related applications, hydroxyapatites for dental applications, etc. are examples of the numerous applicabilities of polymers in biomedical areas [3].

While polymers can be synthesized in many different ways using polymerization techniques, their final application including mechanical, structural, and functional properties highly depends on the conformation of the monomer units, molecular size and weight, monomer type and distribution, or polydispersity index. Based on the mode of synthesis, polymers vary as homopolymers and heteropolymers, whereas based on their origin they vary as natural and synthetic [9]. There are numerous classification strategies for polymers and studies have revealed specific shapes at atomic and nanometer resolutions. In the case of industrial applications, their chain flexibility and mobility are highly desirable qualities that can be achieved by the selection of polymers with small side chains, less polarity, and noncrystallizing under deformation [10]. Crosslinking is another important area, as in the case of elastomers such as natural rubber, the process of crosslinking helps the molecules to strengthen the molecular skeleton [11]. As far as industrial applications are considered, energy efficiency is also significant. Lower energy loss, high toughness, and appreciable mechanical strength are necessary parameters in addition to lightweight and stretchability.

Numerous studies have been performed on various polymers over the past few decades. Reinforcements such as macro-, micro-, and nanoparticles were also handled by several research groups [12–14]. Though this vast topic of polymer science is much investigated, there is a huge demand from technology on exploring the complete exploitation of polymeric properties. This chapter will discuss the significance of polymers to satisfy the global demand. Other than explaining the history of polymers and their classifications, the role of polymers and composites in regulating global requirements, and utilization of the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties for specific demands needed in the society are explained in this chapter.

1.2 Industrial revolutions and polymer applications

Polymers represent an advanced class of materials, consisting of multiple repeating building blocks known as monomers that are linked together to form a much longer chain. The importance of polymers is due to their wide application range, as they resemble industrial, economical, medical, and academic interests and goods that enhance our lives on a daily basis [1].

Polymers were utilized in daily life and in industry for a long time, yet the true appearance of their importance and use was discovered in the late 20th century. Natural polymers such as cellulose were produced in 1838 from natural plants. It is composed of repeated units of glucose. The natural polymer industry started in 1818 with the production of natural rubber for different daily life commodity items such as shoes and gloves. Artificial polymers (e.g., plastic, fiberglass, nylon, and many other products) impacted the society and changed it for the better, providing a class of synthetic polymers formed to satisfy niche applications. Synthetic and natural polymers play a major role in facilitating a comfortable lifestyle due to their integration in many aspects of modern society, including transportation, medicine, communication, and fashion [2].

The first industrial revolution started in the 18th century with an emphasis on the utilization and improvement of metals (mainly steel) through steam engines. The industrial revolutions continued through other stages of electrical energy and mass production (second revolution), electronics and automation (third revolution), and now we are in the fourth revolution, which includes cyber–physical systems. Future technologies will depend on the previous revolutions and combined technologies between digital and physical sectors. The new modified technologies can improve operations and be more productive. New businesses and industries can be driven by the new technologies. Polymers, as will be seen later in this chapter, are leading many sectors in the fourth industrial revolution.

Polymers were mostly applied as insulators and packaging materials due to their economic manufacturing benefits, long-term stability, significant toughness, good dielectric properties, and durable mechanical strength [15]. For example, polyethylene is one of the major polymers used particularly for the cable industry, with certain functional modified versions for special applications such as less flammability [16]. Over the past two decades, polymers were explored for their electrical and energy-related properties such as applications in energy harvesting devices, solar cells, piezoelectric nanogenerators, fuel cells, optical switches, and lithography [17,18]. They are now used in many other applications like 3D printing, aerospace, water purification, and smart textiles.

1.3 Polymers: general classification and production

As explained shortly in the introduction, polymers are materials that consist of many simple structural units (monomers) joined together to form giant molecules. The art of modifying and manipulating the high number of molecules in polymers allowed modern society to fabricate different types of polymers in the form of fibers, films, and adhesives. There are two main sources of polymers, natural and synthesized. (1) Natural polymers are found in nature. Examples include proteins, rubber, cellulose, and starch. Plants and trees are made of cellulose, which make it the most common polymer on Earth. Chitin is another common polymer available in the shells of shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. It has a combination of attractive properties of hardness, insolubility, and flexibility. (2) Synthesized polymers are produced from fossil fuels. They are arranged with longer chains compared to natural polymers [8,9].

Synthesized polymers are mainly derived from its low cost and highly abundant predecessor, petroleum, with highly efficient processing methods, allowing for the use of less than 5% of an oil barrel to contribute to the production of large amounts of polymer, therefore crowning petroleum as the most effective and main source of polymers for the ne...