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 polybutadienes. 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.
Inorganic polymers
Polysiloxane Polyphosphazene Polyborazyline
Organic polymers The eight most common types of synthetic organic polymers, which are commonly found in households are:
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) High-density polyethylene (HDPE) Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene (PE) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Polystyrene (PS) Nylon, nylon 6, nylon 6,6 Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU)
Brand names These polymers are often better known through their brand names, for instance:
Summary Chart
Plastic identification codes
See also Polymerization RAFT (chemistry)
References