NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry, Chapter 15 - Polymers

Daily lives would have been a lot less interesting without the discovery of polymers. This world was made colourful with the inclusion and scientific advancements made in the understanding and use of polymers.

Polymers are used in our daily lives with the use of plastic products like plastic bags, cups, toys, and containers. The introduction of polymers in creating products have completely revolutionised the entire manufacturing industry. The word Polymer has its etymology based on two Greek words – Poly and Mer. Poly means many and Mer means a single unit or part.

Scientifically, Polymer is described as large molecules having a large molecular mass.

Let’s have a look at all the topics and subtopics in Class 12 NCERT Chemistry Chapter 15- Polymers

15.1 Classification of polymers

15.1.1 Classification based on source

15.1.2 Classifications based on the structure of polymers

15.1.3 Classification based on the mode of polymerisation

15.1.4 Classification based on molecular forces

15.1.5 Classification based on the growth of polymerisation

15.2 Types of Polymerisation reactions

15.2.1 Chain growth polymerisation

15.2.2 Condensation Polymerisation

15.2.3 Copolymerisation

15.2.4 Rubber

15.3 Molecular Mass of Polymers

15.4 Biodegradable Polymers

15.5 Polymers of Commercial Importance

In Class 12 NCERT Solutions for Chemistry Chapter 15 PDF download – Polymers, you will learn:

Section 15.1 Classification of polymers

15.1.1Classification of polymers based on sources – natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and semi-synthetic polymers

15.1.2 Classification based on Polymer structure – Linear polymers, branched polymers, and network polymers

15.1.3 Classification based on the mode of polymerisation: Classification based on the mode of polymerisation – Addition polymers and condensation polymers

15.1.4 Classification based on molecular forces: Polymer classification based on molecular forces – Elastomers, Fibres, Thermoplastic polymers, and thermosetting polymers

15.1.5 Classification based on the growth of polymerisation: Addition and condensation polymers can also be divided into step growth polymers and chain-growth polymers

Section 15.2 Types of Polymerisation reactions

15.2.1 Chain growth polymerisation: This type of polymerisation can also be divided into multiple modes like free radical mechanism. The explanation regarding different preparation methods of polymers like – Polythene, Polytetrafluoroethene, and Polyacrylonitrile.

15.2.2 Condensation Polymerisation: Explanation of a few important polymerisation reactions of Polyamides, Polyesters, Phenol – formaldehyde polymer, and Melamine – formaldehyde polymer.

15.2.3 Copolymerisation: Description regarding the formation of copolymers from more than one monomeric species.

15.2.4 Rubber: Explanation is made on vulcanisation of natural rubbers and the preparation of synthetic rubbers from Neoprene and Buna- N.

Section 15.3 Molecular Mass of Polymers: The properties of polymers can be explained and understood by referring to their molecular mass.

Section 15.4 Biodegradable Polymers: Types of biodegradable polymers like Poly β-hydroxybutyrate – co-β-hydroxy valerate (PHBV) and Nylon 2 – nylon 6.

Section 15.5 Polymers of Commercial Importance: The uses of various commercial polymers have been explained like – Polypropene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Urea-formaldehyde Resin, Glypton and Bakelite.

To learn more about the topics covered in this chapter, refer to Polymers Class 12 NCERT Solutions PDF.