A Little Book about BIG Chemistry

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Big Molecules

Abstract

The question ‘How big are plastics molecules?’ is addressed in relation to common organic compounds. The origin and meaning of the word ‘Macromolecule’ is described. Understanding and inventing are considered in the context of polymers developed in the 19th century.

Jim Massy

Chapter 2. Rubber in the 19th Century

Abstract

Aspects of the history of rubber are very briefly described, with special reference to the pioneers of vulcanization, Charles Goodyear and Thomas Hancock.  The meaning of crosslinking is explained with reference to rubber and its highly crosslinked version, Vulcanite.

Jim Massy

Chapter 3. Cellulose and Casein in the 19th Century

Abstract

The isolation of cellulose and its conversion to cellulose nitrate and acetate are described, together with an account of the commercial exploitation of these new materials. The modification of casein, obtained from milk, is also recorded.

Jim Massy

Chapter 4. Macromolecules in the 20th Century

Abstract

In this chapter we see how the idea that rubber could be a substance of very high molecular weight came to be accepted, largely through the pioneering work of Hermann Staudinger.

Jim Massy

Chapter 5. Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers

Abstract

Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers are introduced and their differences explained. A description is given of the first commercially successful fully synthetic class of polymers, phenol/formaldehyde resins, which were discovered by Leo Baekeland. The term ‘functionality’ is introduced as meaning the number of reactive points in a monomeric material - a concept which dominates the technology of thermosetting polymers. The importance of controlling the heat of polymerization is emphasized. Next, the reaction between phenol and formaldehyde is described in some detail. Finally the position of elastomers in the family of polymers is briefly stated.

Jim Massy

Chapter 6. The Burgeoning of Modern Plastics

Abstract

A very short chapter drawing attention to the burgeoning of polymers of many types in the early 20th century. It is noted that annual production of the order of 300 million tonnes has caused unforeseen environmental problems.

Jim Massy

Chapter 7. Physical Properties of Polymers

Abstract

The factors which determine the outstanding physical properties of polymers produced on a large scale are listed as Crystallinity, Hydrogen Bonding, Reinforcement and Plasticization.  Each of these is considered in some detail.

Jim Massy

Chapter 8. Chemical Properties of Polymers

Abstract

Attention is drawn to the remarkable variety of chemical groups such as esters, chlorides, alcohols etc, which can be present in polymers of different types. Thus an abundance of further chemical transformations are possible. As examples, water softening agents and solid phase synthesis of proteins and oligonucleotides are described.

Jim Massy

Chapter 9. Initiation of Polymerization

Abstract

The different ways of initiating the polymerization of an unsaturated monomer such as styrene or ethylene are described. Brief accounts of free radical, cationic, anionic and organometallic initiators are included. The free radical mechanism for the polymerization of styrene is treated in a little more detail, as are the so-called Ziegler/Natta catalysts for alkene polymerization.

Jim Massy

Chapter 10. Copolymers

Abstract

A brief summary of copolymers is given with mention of some important commercial examples. The significance of monomer reactivity ratios is stressed.

Jim Massy

Chapter 11. Ethical Issues

Abstract

The ethical issues arising from the use of polymers are discussed with particular reference to their effects on the environment. Air pollution, the toxicity of raw materials, developments in biodegradable polymers and the symbols used to facilitate recycling are described.

Jim Massy

Chapter 12. The Chronology of Polymers

Abstract

In this chapter more than 30 common polymers are listed chronologically, with their country of origin, date of first manufacture and with their chemical structures.  Notes on each are recorded briefly.

Jim Massy

Chapter 13. Summary and Conclusions

Abstract

A brief summary of the Little Book and some conclusions.

Jim Massy

Backmatter