Organic Chemistry: Current Research
Open Access

Brief note on Environmental and sustainability concerns of Addition polymers

Burygin Sergei^{* *}Correspondence: Burygin Sergei, Department of Chemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA, Email:

Author info »

Description

Addition polymers, also known as chain-growth polymers, are a class of synthetic polymers formed through a chemical reaction called polymerization. In this process, monomers (small, repeating chemical units) are linked together to form long chains or macromolecules. Addition polymers are widely used in various applications due to their versatility, durability, and desirable properties. While addition polymers offer many benefits, they also raise environmental and sustainability ecosystem resilience.

Plastics are not biodegradable, leading to pollution and environmental damage. Plastic waste may remain in landfills and oceans for centuries. The production of plastics relies on non-renewable fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, contributing to resource depletion. They can break down into tiny particles called micro plastics, which can enter the food chain and potentially harm ecosystems and human health. Many plastics can be recycled, but the recycling rate is relatively low due to sorting, contamination, and economic challenges.

Composition of addition polymers

Addition polymers are typically composed of organic compounds called monomers, which contain carbon-carbon double bonds. During polymerization, these double bonds are broken, and the monomers link together to form a long, linear chain or a branched structure, depending on the specific polymerization process and conditions. Common addition polymers include:

Polyethylene (PE): Monomer - Ethylene (C₂H₄).

Polypropylene (PP): Monomer - Propylene (C₃H₆).

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Monomer - Vinyl Chloride (CH₂=CHCl).

Polystyrene (PS): Monomer - Styrene (C₈H₈).

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon): Monomer - Tetrafluoroethylene (C₂F₄).

Production of addition polymers

Ethylene (C₂H₄): Ethylene is the monomer used to produce Polyethylene (PE), one of the most widely used plastics. PE can be High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), depending on its density and properties.

Propylene (C₃H₆): Propylene is used to create Polypropylene (PP), another versatile plastic known for its chemical resistance and heat resistance.

Vinyl Chloride (CH₂=CHCl): Vinyl chloride monomers are used to produce Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a plastic known for its rigidity and chemical resistance. PVC is commonly used in construction materials, pipes, and vinyl products.

Styrene (C₈H₈): Styrene is used to create Polystyrene (PS), a lightweight and rigid plastic used in packaging, insulation, and disposable cutlery.

Methyl Methacrylate (C₅H₈O₂): Methyl methacrylate is the monomer used to produce Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic. PMMA is used for applications like transparent windows, optical lenses, and acrylic sheets.

Acrylonitrile (C₃H₃N): Acrylonitrile is a monomer used to make polyacrylonitrile, which is used in the production of carbon fibers.

Applications  

Addition polymers, or plastics, are incredibly versatile and find application in various industries and everyday products. Some common uses include:

Packaging Materials: Plastics are extensively used for packaging products due to their lightweight, durability, and ability to keep products fresh. Examples include plastic bottles, containers, and bags.

Construction: Plastics are used in construction materials like PVC pipes, insulation materials, roofing, and siding due to their resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation.

Automotive Industry: Plastics are used in car interiors, dashboards, bumpers, and lightweight components to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Electronics: Plastics are used in the casing of electronic devices, wiring insulation, and circuit boards.

Medical Devices: Medical-grade plastics are used in various medical devices, including syringes, catheters, and prosthetic implants, due to their biocompatibility.

Consumer Goods: Plastics are found in everyday items such as toys, kitchenware, clothing, and sports equipment.

Conclusion

Managing plastic waste is challenging due to low recycling rates, contamination, and limited recycling infrastructure. Sustainable alternatives and innovations in polymer science are also being explored to mitigate the environmental impact of plastics. Efforts are on-going to develop more sustainable plastics, improve recycling practices. Innovations include biodegradable plastics, recycling technologies, and the use of alternative feedstocks like plant-based polymers.