List of synthetic polymers
Some familiar household synthetic polymers include: Nylons in textiles and fabrics, Teflon in non-stick pans, Bakelite for electrical switches, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in pipes, etc. The common PET bottles are made of a synthetic polymer, polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic kits and covers are mostly made of synthetic polymers like polythene and tires are manufactured from Buna rubbers. However, due to the environmental issues created by these synthetic polymers which are mostly non-biodegradable and often synthesized from petroleum, alternatives like bioplastics are also being considered. They are however expensive when compared to the synthetic polymers.The eight most common types of synthetic organic polymers, which are commonly found in households are:
Interfacial polymerization
Interfacial polymerization is a type of step-growth polymerization in which polymerization occurs at an interface between an aqueous solution containing one monomer and an organic solution containing a second monomer. The process was invented by Chemist (later Laboratory Director) Emerson Wittbecker in 1959, and he used the term “interfacial polycondensation” when studied this method. The most common polymer made by this method is polyamide, where diamine and diacid chloride react to form polyamide and hydrogen chloride.