The structures of different types of star-shaped copolymers are illustrated above. They consist of a multifunctional center to which three or more polymer chains are attached 7. Graft Copolymers Branched copolymers featuring differently structured main chains and side chains are known as graft copolymers. An illustration detailing the structure of a graft copolymer made up of monomers A and B is provided below. The main chain or the side chains of these polymers can be copolymers or homopolymers. High-impact polystyrene is an important example of a graft copolymer. They can be synthesized from free radical polymerizationTo learn more about copolymerization and other important types of polymerization reactions, register with BYJU and download the mobile application on your smartphone: B B -_ uv \s \ / B \ ge B \ / BP Og" / \ B B \ / B B / \ B B \ if / * B B N 7: B B ES Classification of Polymers A. Classification based upon the source of availability 1. Natural Polymers Polymers that are directly found in nature in animals and plants are called natural polymers. For example: (a) Proteins that make up our body. (b) Nucleic acids which control heredity at the molecular level. (c) Cellulose which provides food, clothing, and shelter. (d) Rubber is used for making various articles of daily use.2.Semi-synthetic Polymers As the name suggests, the polymers which are mostly derived from naturally occurring polymers by chemical modification are called semi-synthetic polymers. For Example: (a) Cellulose on acetylation with acetic anhydride in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid gives cellulose diacetate which is used for making threads of acetate rayon and other materials like films, glasses, etc. (b) Vulcanised rubber which is superior to natural rubber is used for making tires. (c) Gun cotton which is cellulose trinitrate is used for making explosives and smokeless powders. 3. Synthetic Polymers Polymers that are artificially prepared in the laboratory are called synthetic polymers. They are also known as man-made polymers. For Example: {a) Fibres (nylon, polyester) (b) Plastics (polythene, polypropene) (c) Rubbers (neoprene, polystyrene) B. Classification based upon the structure 1. Linear Polymers Polymers in which the monomers are joined together to form long straight chains of polymer molecules are called linear polymers. The various polymeric chains are then stacked over one another to give a well-packed structure as shown in the figure. Properties of Linear Polymers (a) Linear polymers have a high melting point. (a) Li poly ve a nie Ing pol Linear Polymer Structure (b) Linear polymers have high densities.(c) Linear polymers have high tensile strength For Example: High-density polythene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylons, Polyesters, ete. 2. Branched Chain Polymers Polymers in which the monomer units not only combine to produce the linear chain (called the main chain) but also form branches of different lengths along the main chains are called branched- chain polymers. In these polymers, the branches do not pack well, as a result, branched-chain polymers have lower melting points, densities, and tensile strength as compared to linear polymers. Branched Chain Polymer Structure For example: Low-density Polythene, amylopectin, glycogen, etc. 3. Cross-linked or 3-D network polymers The polymers in which monomer units are cross- linked together to form a three-dimensional (3-D) network are called cross-linked or 3-D network polymers. In these polymers, the initially formed linear polymer chains are joined together to form a 3-D network structure. Only two cross-links per polymer chain are required to join together all the long- Cons Seed ideworl€Slymeftructun chain polymer molecules to form a giant molecule. Properties of cross-linked polymers (a) Cross-linked polymers are hard. (b) Cross-linked polymers are rigid{c) Cross-linked polymers are brittle. For Example: Bakelite, Urea-formaldehyde polymer, melamine-formaldehyde polymer, etc. C. Classification based upon the mode of polymerization 1. Addition Polymers Polymers that are formed by the repeated addition of a large number of the same or different monomers having double or triple bonds are called addition polymers. The process by which addition polymers are formed is called addition polymerization. Addition polymers are further classified into two types: addition homopolymers and addition copolymers. a, Addition Homopolymers Addition polymers that are formed by the addition polymerization of only one type of monomer unit are called addition homopolymers, For Example: b. Addition copolymers Addition polymers which are formed by repeated addition of two or more types of monomer units are called addition copolymers. For Example: mcH,-c-cn-cm, + = en-en "OS" {cn cm-cmcn, cen +»2. Condensation Polymers Polymers that are formed by repeated condensation reactions between two bifunctional or trifunctional monomer units usually with the elimination of small molecules like water, alcohol, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen chloride are called condensation polymers. The process by which condensation polymers are formed is called condensation polymerization. Condensation polymers are further Classified into two types: condensation homopolymers and condensation copolymers. a. Condensation homopolymers Condensation polymers that are formed by the condensation polymerization of only one type of monomer unit are called condensation homopolymers. For éxample: oO NH Ho e-caprolactam b. Condensation copolymers Condensation polymers which are formed by repeated condensation of two or more types of monomer units are called condensation copolymers. For example: