Introduction to Polymers: A Property

Database Online

Preface

Introduction to Polymers: A Property Database

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Importance of Polymer Properties

Polymer Complexity
Regulatory Agencies
Reference Polymers and Specialty Materials
Polymer Properties

Conclusions

Polymers - A Property Database on the Web

Selected References

Preface
The latest edition of Polymers: A Property Database is an improved version of an
indispensable polymer reference work. The database is a comprehensive and in-depth
collection of properties for a very wide range of polymers, both synthetic and natural
and where polymers exist with subtle variations in structure, these are also covered in
some detail. Processing grades are also described along with typical applications for
each major polymer.
Each polymer has a general properties section where very useful information such as
chemical structure, synonyms, CAS registration numbers and monomers used in the
polymerisation is given. The mechanical properties are particularly well presented and
all source material is meticulously referenced.
The database is well indexed (even more comprehensively in the online version) and
extremely easy to use making this a very desirable addition to any researcher's library.
Polymers are indexed by common name allowing ease of access even to those with only
a basic knowledge of polymers, industrial/commercial names are also used where these
exist. This is particularly useful for those working in industry or in multidisciplinary
fields where polymers are used.

Introduction
Those of us who work with polymers and polymeric materials rely heavily on data
regarding solution and bulk properties, and manufacturing procedures. These
parameters usually can be found spread over different handbooks, encyclopedias, and
the Internet. However, Polymers: A Property Database is one-stop shopping, whereby
this information is now available from a single source. Entries range from a few lines
for research polymers to encyclopedic submissions for more common polymers. (An
online version of the Database for simplified data retrieval and entry updates is now
available from Taylor and Francis, Publishers.)
To produce this comprehensive Database, which conveniently can be used as a desk
reference book, a double-column format was used with small, but easy to read font with
spaced-out tables. Since main-chain or common polymer names are used as headers,
arranged alphabetically in dictionary style, the Database is practical to use. (IUPAC
approved nomenclature is given under a separate heading). To quickly locate a polymer,
a comprehensive polymer name index is available.
The Database contains a listing of polymer properties that are, for the most part,
associated with polymer manufacturing, processing, and applications. As such, the
Database contains other useful information in addition to polymer properties, not found
in other source books; an example of this is given for nylon 6,6, a well-studied
commercial polymer:
Structural Formulae

Elastic Modulus

Additives

Poisson Ratio

Morphology Density

Tensile Strength Yield

Thermal Expansion Coefficient

Compression Strength

Latent Heat Crystallization

Impact Strength

Thermal Conductivity

Viscoelastic Behavior

Specific Heat Capacity

Hardness

Glass Transition Temperature

Failure Properties

Melting Temperature

Fracture Mechanical Properties

Deflection Temperature

Friction Abrasion and Resistance

Brittleness Temperature

Electric Properties
Dielectric Permittivity

Surface Properties
Solubility
Transport Properties
Melt Flow Index
Intrinsic Viscosity
Polymer Melts
Permeability of Gases
Permeability of Liquids
Water Content

Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Power
Magnetic Properties
Optical Properties
Refractive Index
Molar Refraction
Polymer Stability
Thermal Stability
Upper-Use Temperature
Decomposition
Flammability
Environmental Stress
Chemical Stability

Water Absorption
Gas Permeability
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Modulus

Hydrolytic Stability
Biological Stability
Applications and Selected References

Flexural Modulus
Tensile Strength Break
Flexural Strength at Break

The Database also lists many types of

polysaccharides, modified cellulosics,
and other important biopolymers.
Different types of polymers and
polymeric structures are presented, such
as inorganic polymers, blends, block
copolymers, graft polymers, ionomers,
elastomers, fibers, hydrogels,
interpenetrating networks, structural
foams, polymer composites,
polysiloxanes, resins, and natural
rubbers.
For this second edition, an introductory
chapter has been added that reviews
polymer complexity as it relates to
polymer
properties.
Furthermore,
tabulated lists of polymer properties are
given to serve as a guide in selecting
appropriate test procedures.
Polymer property data are now available
on the Internet in a variety of tabular
forms. The advantages and convenience
of having a desk reference book of the

magnitude
of
Database
cannot be overstated. No
other reference handbooks
contain the caveats,

descriptions, and explanations that are found in Polymers: A Property Database as

exemplified in the above table.
A. Importance of Polymer Properties
Because of their high molecular mass, polymers, as compared to small molecules, have
unique properties that are often difficult to predict. As such, some background
knowledge of the physical chemistry of polymers is desirable for dealing with polymers
and polymeric materials.
Polymer properties, like solubility behaviour, are used as a guide on a laboratory scale
when analyzing or characterizing polymers or when determining structure-property
relationships. On an industrial scale, properties, such as melt viscosity or heat capacity,
are important for establishing polymerization and processing conditions. A listing of
properties is required for selecting polymers to meet specific applications.
Polymers are ubiquitous as they are used in all applications, from consumer products to
high-temperature industrial use to medical devices, under a wide-range of conditions. In
modern polymer science and engineering, more complex structures, such as multilayer
films, nanomaterials, electro-optical and electronic devices are being developed that
require more specialized and complex testing for end-use performance evaluation.
Furthermore, from knowledge of structure-property relations of polymers and polymeric
materials, one can begin to design and tailor make polymers and complex polymeric
structures to meet specific end-use performance requirements.
It is sometimes difficult to accurately predict end-use performance characteristics of the
final product using tabulated data of individual components. As a result, accurate
measurements are those made on the final product itself, rather than using model
polymers or components. In these cases, empirically derived measurements using the
actual product, verified with authentic samples, may be the best option. It should be
noted that most empirically derived data are trade secrets, and, as such, not available.
Nevertheless, compilations of properties are still valuable.
B. Polymer Complexity
Because of polymer complexity, property variability must be taken into consideration.
In this section, we will discuss possible sources of polymer inconsistency and offer
suggestions to recognize and reduce these errors.
Chemical or compositional heterogeneity refers to the chemical or structural difference
among chains of the same polymer. Thus a measured property of a chemically
heterogeneous sample will be an averaged value dependent upon sample source. For
chemically homogeneous samples, property variability will not be a concern. In a
similar fashion, polymers that are polydisperse in molecular weight have averaged
property values, while monodisperse samples will give accurate data. Obviously,
samples that are both chemically homogeneous and monodisperse will give the most
accurate and precise values.
As compared to synthetic polymers, almost all nucleic acids and mammalian proteins
are compositionally (chemically) homogeneous and monodisperse, if not there would be

no life; biopolymers carry highly specific and selective information. Mammalian

polysaccharides, for the most part, are also compositionally homogeneous, but are
polydisperse in molecular weight; whereas plant polysaccharides are polydisperse.
Chemically modified cellulose (cellulosics) are typically both compositionally
heterogeneous and polydisperse in molecular weight. Starches (-amylose and
amylopectin), another major class of polysaccharides, are highly polydisperse in
molecular weight, but quite compositionally homogeneous. In addition, amylopectin
and many other polysaccharides are highly branched, which may further complicate
listed property values.
Synthetic polymers can be quite complex and, as such, tabulated and measured property
data must be interpreted with care. Homogeneous synthetic polymers are those produced
from condensation polymerization reactions, in which all polymer chains are chemically
indistinguishable from another. Even though these types of polymers show a finite
polydispersity of two, accuracy and precision will not be compromised since all samples
(and reference standards) will have the same degree of polydispersity. Lastly, synthetic
polymers produced by addition polymerization (i.e., ionic, complex coordination
catalytic, or free-radical copolymerization), will have the greatest amount of
compositional heterogeneity, and with the exception of anionically polymerized
samples, will also have a large molecular weight polydispersity. For these polymers,
tabulated data must be interpreted with caution, unless users establish their own data
sets with reference polymers obtained from the same polymerization conditions.
Sequence distribution or polymer microstructure is the next higher level of complexity
in which the average arrangement of monomers along a chain is considered. The
polymerization mechanism and reactivity ratios of monomers dictate this parameter.
Monomers can be randomly arranged along chains in the case of statistic or random
copolymers or in the extreme form a block copolymers. In any event, the microstructure
of reference polymers should be defined when properties are listed.
Next in line of complexity is macromolecular architecture, or polymer configuration, in
which the topological nature of the chain is of interest. Thus polymer branching can
take on a wide range of configurations including short- and long-chain branching, and
comb, star, and dendritic structures with or without comonomer segregation or
blockiness. Because of the strong influence of polymer configuration on properties, this
parameter needs to be defined, and care taken when comparing tabulated data to those
of actual samples.
In summary, polymers may have up to two or more distributed characteristics
depending on the number of different monomers used in the polymerization, the type of
polymerization mechanism, and whether or not the sample was fractionated during
isolation. As a rough estimate, polymer "complexity" increases exponentially with the
number of distributive properties, making it more difficult to measure accurate polymer
properties.
Some polymers are modified after polymerization; however, this process can be
somewhat difficult to control. Because polymer chain segments can influence the
chemistry of a neighboring groups. Chemical modifications are done mainly on
cellulosics and other polysaccharides to tailor-make specific property characteristics.

Thus tabulated property data given for cellulosics and polysaccharides represent average
values of the entire sample ensemble of polymer chains that differ in composition. To
complicate matters further, insoluble gels, comprised of three-dimensional networks,
may form if chains are allowed to chemically or physically (via hydrogen bonding)
react with one another, either during or after polymerization.
Post-polymerization processes are also accomplished via vulcanization, irradiation, or
through the addition of a low molecular weight cross-linking agent. The resulting
polymer (i.e., rubber, elastomer, resin, or gel) in essence, is one super or giant molecule
approaching infinite molecular weight. These viscoelastic materials have wonderful
consumer, industrial, and aerospace end-use applications when properly formulated.
The next level of polymer complexity is polymer blends and multicomponent systems.
To adjust the glass-transition temperature, plasticizers are added, often times at high
concentrations. To increase polymer strength, reinforced polymeric materials are used
that consist of added inorganic material, the most common being carbon black or glass
fibers. Laminated structures are also produced for increased material strength.
High-value added, specialty products with controlled molecular weight, branching, or
architecture are being developed for high-technology industries, most notably electronic
and optical devices, printing inks, and coatings in the aerospace industry. Because of
their specialized uses, most of these polymeric materials are not listed in this
compilation.
C. Regulatory Agencies
Most industries issue testing protocols and polymer property specifications to the trade.
To ensure uniformity, national regulatory agencies have formed to deal with
standardized methods and testing approaches. In the United States, ASTM is the most
prominent independent agency supported by industry with about 100 test methods in
place specifically for polymers and polymeric materials. API specializes in the
development of procedures for petroleum products, some of which are polymeric. In
Britain, BSI is the key agency for testing, while in Europe, DIN procedures are
followed. Many of these agencies are overseen by ISO, a federation of national
regulatory bodies. (See Table 1 for complete names and acronyms.)
Governmental departments of commerce, defense, and military are also involved in
issuing protocols and specifications. For example, the FDA is responsible for
establishing acceptable limits of extractable components from polymeric materials in
contact with food and drugs.
Table 1. Key agencies involved in standardized
testing of polymers and polymeric materials
under the umbrella of ISO.

Abbreviation Organization

API

American Petroleum Institute

ASTM

American Society for Testing and

Materials

BSI

British Standards Institution

DIN

Deutsches Institut fur Normung

FDA

Food and Drug Agency

ISO

International Organization for

Standardization *

*Global federation of national standards bodies

representing 100 countries.
D. Reference Polymers and Specialty Materials
Sources of reference polymer standards that can be used for instrument calibration and
validating methods are listed in Table 2. In the United States NIST is responsible for
distributing a number of well-characterized polymer standards.
These standards have well-defined chemical composition and molecular weight, and are
also suitable for formulating materials for R&D. All reference standards and polymeric
material should come with certificates of analysis. (Since water content in polymers,
especially hydrophilic ones and polysaccharides, may affect properties, it is advisable to
vacuum dry and properly store them to prevent moisture buildup and degradation.)
Table 2. Sources of polymer standards used for
instrument calibration, method development
and verification, and formulating R&D samples
American Polymer Standards Corp USA
Gearing Scientific Ltd

UK

National Institute of Standards and

Technology

USA

Polymer Laboratories Varian

UK

Polymer Source Inc

Canada

Polymer Standards Service (PSS)

Germany

Pressure Chemical Co.

USA

Putus Macromolecular

China

Sigma-Aldrich

USA

Tosoh Corporation

Japan

Waters Corporation

USA

E. Polymer Properties
In this section we discuss and list polymer properties that are included in data tables of
this book. Some properties reviewed in this section are not listed in this text, but they
are included for completeness. Specific properties for certain classes of polymers are
not given, especially those used for optical, electronic and magnetic devices.
Much of this section and the book's content is based on van Krevelen's (1976) property
schemes, with modification. His book should be consulted for more detailed
discussions. Other books of interest are listed at the end of this chapter.
Basic information that characterizes polymers is listed in Table 3. These properties can
be estimated from the expected outcome of the polymerization, measured, or calculated
from group contributions (see van Krevelen, 1976). Methods for measuring these
properties can be found in the reference list (for example, see Barth and Mays, 1991;
Brady, 2003; Wu, 1995). Some of the more important properties will be considered
here.
The most useful average molecular weights are the number- (Mn), weight- (Mw), and zaverages (Mz). These averages are easily determined from the molecular weight
distribution obtained using size exclusion chromatography (Mori and Barth, 2001).
Oftentimes just the viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) is available, which can be
conveniently determined from the measured intrinsic viscosity of the polymer in a given
solvent at a specified temperature using tabulated Mark-Houwink coefficients.
Alternatively, Mw can be determined from light scattering and Mn from osmometry.
Table 3. Basic Polymer Information
Property measured

Remarks

CAS registration
number
Physical state at rt
Chemical composition
of repeat units
Structural formula of
repeat group
Comonomer molar
ratios
Molar substitution
Molecular weight of
repeat unit

For copolymers
For cellulosics

Statistical average
molecular weights

Mn, Mv, Mw, Mz, and

polydispersity

Percent added inorganic Polymer additives used

to impart selected
or carbon filler or
performance
plasticizer
Polymer additives, e.g.,
antioxidants, UV
stabilizers, etc.
Moisture level
If applicable
B
r
a
n
c
h
i
n
g
,
d
e
g
r
e
e
(
f
r
e
q
u
e
n
c
y
)
a
n
d
e
x
t
e
n
t
(
l
e
n
g
t
h
)

P
o
l
y
m
e
r
a
r
c
h
i
t
e
c
t
u
r
e
(
t
o
p
o
l
o
g
y
)
,
o
t
h
e
r
t
h
a
n
l

i
n
e
a
r
o
r
b
r
a
n
c
h
e
d
,
i
f
a
p
p
l
i
c
a
b
l
e
C
r
y
s
t
a
l
l
i
n
i
t
y
T
a
c
t
i
c
i
t
y
M

i
c
r
o
s
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
,
i
.
e
.
,
m
o
n
o
m
e
r
s
e
q
u
e
n
c
e
d
i
s
t
r
i
b
u
t
i
o
n

T
o

x
i
c
i
t
y

S
h
o
r
t
-

a
n o
d r
s
t
a
b
i
l
i
t
y

E
n
v
i
r
o
n
m
e
n
t
a
l
i
m
p
a
c
t

l
o
n
g
c
h
a
i
n
b
r
a
n
c
h
i
n
g
i
f
a
p
p
l
i
c
a
b
l
e
,
a
s
e
s
t
i
m
a
t

e
d
g
r
a
f
t
,
s
t
a
r
,
c
o
m
b
,
o
r
d
e
n
d
r
i
t
i
c

o
r
a
l
t
e
r
n
a
t
e
S
h
o
u
l
d
b
e
d
e
t
e
r
m
i
n
e
d
o
r
a
t

B
l
o
c
k
,

l
e
a
s
t

r
a
n
d
o
m
,

e
s
t
i
m
a
t

e
d
f
r
o
m
s
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
o
f
c
o
r
r
e
s
p
o
n
d
i
n
g
c
o
m
o
n
o
m
e
r
s
M
u
s
t

b
e
k
n
o
w
n
o
r
a
t
l
e
a
s
t
e
s
t
i
m
a
t
e
d
f
o
r
s
a
f
e
d
i
s
p
o
s
a
l

Branching, molecular topology, and

comonomer sequence distribution along
the chain are more difficult to estimate;
these properties are best estimated by the

chemistry of the polymerization procedure,

with support from NMR measurements.
Polymer toxicity and stability must be
known or at least estimated from
functional group and comonomer
chemistry. It should be realized that
polymer toxicity, to a first approximation,
is lower, than the corresponding
comonomer toxicity; because of the low
polymer diffusion coefficient,
macromolecules cannot readily pass
through biomembranes, thus have limited
bioavailability.
The effect of molecular weight of a
polymer in solution on its colligative
properties, summarized in Table 4, is a
well-established phenomeon. These
properties are dependent on the
number of macromolecules in
solution, independent on molecular

weight and chemical composition. In fact, the number-average molecular weight of a

polymer can be determined by measuring one of its colligative properties.
Table 4. Colligative Polymer Properties
Property measured

Remarks

Freezing point
depression
Boiling point elevation

MW dependent
MW dependent

Vapour pressure
depression
Osmotic pressure
elevation

MW dependent
MW dependent

Table 5 lists volumetric properties of polymers in the liquid or solid state as a function
of temperature; these properties are related to the compactness of chains and the
interaction of comonomers within and among neighboring chains. These properties are
more dependent on chemical composition, than molecular weight. Volumetric
properties also depend on factors influenced by comonomer sequence distribution, such
as tacticity, branching, and polymer crystallinity.
Table 5. Volumetric Properties
Property measured

Remarks

Specific volume
(reciprocal of specific
density)

Depends on polymer
state

Molar volume
(reciprocal of molar
density)

Depends on polymer
state

Specific thermal
expansivity
Molar thermal
expansivity
Specific melt
expansivity
Molar melt expansivity

Depends on polymer
state
Depends on polymer
state
Applicable to
crystalline polymers
Applicable to
crystalline polymers

Table 6 lists thermodynamic and calorimetric attributes of a polymer, while Table 7

deals with polymer solubility and cohesive energy. Except for molar entropy, all these
properties depend mainly of chemical composition, rather than molecular weight.
Furthermore, polymer crystallinity, in addition to the chemical nature of a polymer,

plays a major role in dictating solubility behavior. In order to effect solubility in the
case of crystalline or semicrystalline polymers, the solution must be heated near or
above its melting point to break up crystalline regions.
Table 6. Calorimetric and Thermodynamic
Properties Including Transition Temperatures
Property measured
Remarks
Molar entropy
Molar enthalpy
Molar heat capacity
Latent heat of
crystallization
Thermal conductivity
Melting temperature,
Tm

Disappearance
of polymeric
crystalline
phase

Glass-transition
temperature, Tg

Onset of
extensive
macromolecular
motion

Secondary transition
temperatures

Deflection temperature
(heat distortion)

Vicat softening point

Other than Tm
and Tg
Highest
continuous
temperature
material will
withstand
Temperature at
which a needle
penetrates
material

Brittleness temperature
Table 7. Cohesive Properties and Solubilities
Property
measured

Remarks

Cohesive
energy
Cohesive

Related to the "internal pressure"

energy
density

of a polymer in solution

Surface and
interfacial
energy
Solubility
parameter

Equal to the square root of the

cohesive energy density

Good
Solvency

Good solvent imparts solubility via

polymer solvation
Nonsolvency

Poor
solvent
cannot
solvate
polyme
r
The temperature at
which polymerT
h
e
t
a

polymer,
polymersolvent,
and
solventsolvent
t interactio
e ns
are
m equal
p
e A solvent
r in which
a polymert polymer,
u polymerr solvent,
e and
solventsolvent
interactio
T ns are
h equal
e
t
a
s
o
l
v
e
n
t

Light scattering and inherent

viscosity measurements made
at infinite dilution are used to
determine polymer size
parameters, conformation, 2nd
virial coefficient, weightaverage molecular weight, and
long-chain branching
parameters (Table 8). These
are fundamental parameters
that allow us to probe
structural features of polymer
molecules. These properties
are dependent on molecular
mass and shape, rather than
polymer composition.

ol
ec
ul
ar
vo
lu
m
e
of
a
po
ly
m
er
in
so
lu
ti
on

Table 8.
Dilute
Solution
PropertiesMolecular conformation

Co
effi
cie
nts
rela
ted
to
the
sha
pe
of
ma
cro
mo
lec
ule
s in
sol
uti
on.

Property
measured

Molecu
lar
shape
parame
ter

Remarks

Specific refractive
Me
qu
re

Intrinsi h
viscosity
y
d
r
o
d
Mar y
Hou n
a
k
coef m
ents i
c
s
h
a
p
e
a
n
d
m

Parameter needed for

index
Polymer-solvent 2nd
virial coefficient

Radius of gyration

calculating Mw from
light scattering data
Determined from light
scattering
measurements

Macromolecular size
parameter

End-to-end distance

Macromolecular size
parameter

Hydrodynamic volume

Macromolecular
volume parameter

Melt index and viscosity are critical parameters needed for polymer processing. These
and other polymer transport properties are listed in Table 9. As in the case of other
viscosity measurements, these properties depend mainly on higher statistical molecular
weight averages, such as Mw and Mz.
Table 9. Transport Properties
Property measured

Remarks

Melt viscosity

Depends on molecular
weight and chain
entanglement

Melt index

Inversely proportional

to viscosity
Usually water vapor,
Gas permeability across oxygen, nitrogen, or
carbon dioxide, or
a polymer film or
specialty gases
membrane

Diffusion coefficient

Water absorption

Diffusion of polymer in
a given solvent at
defined conditions
Water content taken up
at specified relative
humidity and
temperature

Tables 10 to 13 list polymer characteristics directly involved with end-use properties:

mechanical properties (Table 10), electric and magnetic properties (Table 11), optical
properties (Table 12), and polymer stability (Table 13). (A more complete discussion of
these properties is given in selected references at the end of this chapter.)

Table 10. Mechanical Properties

Property measured

Remarks

Adhesion (tackiness)
Ball indentation
hardness
Bulk modulus
(reciprocal of
compressibility)
Coefficient of friction
Compression strength

Force needed to rupture

material

Tensile creep

Damping

Shape change of
material caused by
suspended weight
Absorption or
dissipation of vibrations

Dynamic mechanical
behavior
Elastic modulus
Elongation
Fatigue

Number of cycles
required for fracture

Flexural stiffness
Flexural strength at
break

Amount of stress
needed to break
material

Fracture mechanical
properties

Fracture energy, fatigue

resistance, fatigue crack
growth, void
coalescence

Friction abrasion and

resistance
Hardness

Impact strength

Resistance to
compression,
indentation, and scratch

Energy absorbed by
sample prior to fracture

Indention hardness
Load deformation
Mar resistance
Mold shrinkage
Poisson's ratio
Scratch resistance
Shear strength

Maximum load to
produce a fracture by
shearing

Surface abrasion
resistance
Tear resistance
Tensile strength break
(yield)
See Young's modulus
A
m
ou
nt
of
en
er
gy
to

T
o
u
g
h
n
e
s
s

U
l
t
i
m
a
t
e
s
t
r
e
n
g

t
h

V
i
s
c
o
e
l
a
s
t
i
c
b
e
h
a
v
i
o
r
Y
o
u

n
g
'
s
m
o
d
u
l
u
s
(
T
e
n
s
i
l
e
s
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
)

b
r
e
a
k
a
m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
(
a
r
e
a
u
n
d
e
r

o
d
u
l
u
s

y
o
r
t
e
n
s
i
l
e

o
f
e
l
a
s
t
i
c
i
t

m
o
d
u
l
u
s
Table 11. Electrical and
Magnetic Properties
Property measured
Remarks

s
t
r
e
s
s
s
t
r
a
i
n
c
u
r
v
e
)

A
r
c

R
e
s
i
s
t

Ti
m
e
ne
ed
ed
fo
r
cu
rr
en
t
to
m
ak
e
m
at
er
ial
a
n
c
e

i
e
l
e
c
t
r
i
c
c
o
n
s
t
a
n
t
D
i
e
l
e
c
t
r
i
c
p
e
r
m
i
t
t
i
v
i
t
y

s
u
r
f
a
c
e
c
o
n
d
u
c
t
i
v
e

m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l

s
t
o
r
e
e
l
e
c
t
r
i
c

o
f

e
n

A
b
i
l
i
t
y
o
f

f
o
r
c
a
p
a
c
i
t
o
r
a
p
p
l
i
c
a
t
i
o
n

t
o

b
e
c
a
u
s
e

c
a
r
b
o
n
i
z
a
t
i
o
n

e
r
g
y

electric strength
V
o
l
t
a
g
e
r
e
q
u
i
r
e
d
t
o
b

r
e
a
k
d
o
w
n
o
r
a
r
c

material
Dissipation power
factor (loss tangent)

Watts (power) lost in

material used as
insulator

Insulation resistance
Magnetic susceptibility
Resistivity
Volume resistivity
Tables 10 to 13 list polymer
characteristics directly involved with
end-use properties: mechanical properties
(Table 10), electric and magnetic
properties (Table 11), optical properties
(Table 12), and polymer stability (Table
13). (A more complete discussion of
these properties is given in selected
references at the end of this chapter.)
Table 12. Optical
Properties
Property measured
Remarks
Ph
ysi
ol
og
ica
l
res
po
ns
e;
Colour

m
e
a
s
u
r
e
d
u
s
i
n
g
t
h

r
e
e

e
s
s
,

p
a
r
a
m
e
t
e
r
s
:

ctance

U
V
v
i
s
i
b
l
e

c
h
r
o
m
a
,

a
b
s
o
r
b
a
n
c
e

a
n
d

l
i
g
h
t
n

d
e
l
t
a

s
p
e
c
t
r
u
m

Luminous transmittance
Mea
sure
of
plas
tic
haze
or
clari
ty

Table 13. Polymer

Stability
Property measured

Molar refraction

Remarks

Percent transmission

A
c
c
e
l
e
r
a
t
e
d

Transparency
Refractive index
Specular gloss
Surface "flatness";

Total
intern
al

m
ir
ro
r
"f
in
is
h"
r
e
fl
e

a
g
i
n
g

s
t
u
d
i
e
s
Biological stability
Stab
ility
in
the
pres
ence
of
micr
oorg
anis
ms
Burning rate

Chemical resistance

Hydrolytic stability
(extreme pH
conditions), exposure to
chemicals and solvents
Flammability
Flame resistance
F
l
a
s
h
i
g
n
i
t
i
o
n
t
e
m
p
e
r
a
t
u
r
e
Long-term immersion
ermeability
Am
oun
t of
gas
or
liqu
id
pen
etra
ting
film
Recyclability
Resistance to cold

t
h
e
r
i
n
g
(
e
n
v
i
r
o
n
m
e
n
t
a
l

S
e
l
f
e
x
t
i
n
g
u
i
s
h
i
n
g
t
e
m
p
e
r
a
t
u
r
e

s
t
r
e
s
s
)

p
r
o
d
u
c
t
s

Stress cracking
Caused by
weathering

T
h
e
r
m
a
l
st
a
b
il
it
y

t
e
m
p
e
r
a
t
u
r
e
,
d
e
c
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
i
o
n

In
additi
on to
V
r
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

W
e
a

a
r
e
m
e
a
s
u
r
e
d
C
o
l
o
u
r

f
a
d
i
n
g
,
p
i
t
t
i
n
g
,
c
r
u
m
b
l
i
n
g
,

b
r
i
t
t
l
e
n
e
s
s
C
o
l
o
r
a
n
d
g
l
o
s
s

s
u
r
f
a
c
e

c
h
a
n
g
e
,

c
r
a
c
k
i
n
g
,

c
r
a
c
k
s
,

c
r
a
z
i
n
g
,

c
r
a
z
i
n
g
,
w
e

a
k
e
n
i
n
g
(
s
e
e

V
r
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e
)

Conclusions
Polymer science can be viewed as an
applied branch of chemistry based on
deliverable properties. It is of interest to
note that most of these properties depend
on just four attributes: 1. polymer
molecular weight, 2. crystallinity, 3.
chemical composition, and 4.
macromolecular topology or architecture;
furthermore, these parameters interact
with one another in a complex manner.
By varying these parameters, polymers
can be tailor- made to fit a list of
desirable characteristics.
It is hoped that this polymer property
database will serve as a guideline to help
pave the way for the development of
newer materials of improved
characteristics.

Polymers - A Property Database on the

Web
To maintain state-of-the-art property listings and to facilitate searches, Polymers - A
Property Database published online in addition to hard copy. Space considerations have
precluded the inclusion of indexes other than a name Index in the hard-copy version of
the Polymer Database. In contrast, the online version contains searchable indexes on
each of the fields present in the database, covering all text and numerical fields in the
following categories:

General Description
Volumetric and Calorimetric Properties
Surface Properties and Solubility
Transport Properties
Mechanical Properties
Electrical Properties
Optical Properties
Polymer Stability
Applications and Commercial Products
References

Upon entering the database you will be presented with the polymer search screen
illustrated below (Fig. 1). It is from here that searches will be performed.

Figure 1
From the search window, design your search profile using text, numerical fields or a

combination of both. Once your search has been performed the resultant hits are listed
alphabetically by polymer name in the hit list window. Clicking on any one of the hits
in the
hit list window will result in that entry being displayed (Fig. 2).

Figure 2
In addition, the online version also contains a searchable monomers database.
Monomers may be searched by a combination of text and structure searching via a
downloadable browser plug-in (Fig. 3).

Figure 3

Selected References
[1] Billmeyer, F. W., Textbook of Polymer Science, 3rd ed., Interscience Publishers,
1984 (classic book with excellent treatment of polymer properties)
[2] Barth, H. G. and Mays, J. W., Eds., Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization,
Wiley, 1991 (covers latest developments at the time of most methods)
[3] Brady, Jr., R. F., Ed., Comprehensive Desk Reference of Polymer Characterization
and Analysis, American Chemical Society-Oxford, 2003 (survey of characterization and
analytical methods)
[4] Brandrup, J., Immergut, E. H. ,Grulke, E. A., Abe, A, and Bloch, D. R., Eds.,
Polymer Handbook, 4th ed., John Wiley and Sons, 2005 (premier handbook of polymer
science, listing virtually all polymer characteristics for most polymers)
[5] Brydson, J. A., Plastics Materials, Butterworth Heinemann, 2000 (comprehensive
treatment of plastics, their synthesis, properties, and applications)
[6] Bueche, F., Physical Properties of Polymers, Krieger Publishing, 1979 (emphasis is
on polymer physics)
[7] Cowie, J.M.G. and Arrighi, V., Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern
Materials, 3rd ed., CRC Press 2008 (excellent discussion of physical properties and
applications)
[8] Heimenz, P.C. and Lodge, T. P., Polymer Chemistry, 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2007
(comprehensive treatment of polymer chemistry - synthesis and physical chemistry)
[9] Mark, J.E., Allcock, H. R., and West, R., Inorganic Polymers, Oxford, 2005
(physical chemistry and properties of inorganic polymers)
[10] Mark, J. E., Ed., Polymer Data Handbook, Oxford, 1999 (compilation of major
classes of polymers and their physical properties)
[11] Mori, S. and Barth, H. G., Size Exclusion Chromatography, Springer-Verlag, 1999
(comprehensive treatment of SEC, theory and applications)
[12] Munk, P. and Aminabhavi, T. M., Introduction to Macromolecular Science, 2nd
ed., John Wiley and Sons, 2002 (emphasis on polymer physical chemistry)
[13] Nielsen, L. E., Polymer Rheology, Marcel Dekker, 1977 (introductory text on
polymer rheology)
[14] Richardson, T. L. and Lokensgard, E., Industrial Plastics: Theory and
Applications, Delmar, 1996 (practical overview of some important properties and
polymer processing)
[15] Carraher, Jr., C. E., Seymour/Carraher's Polymer Chemistry, 7th ed., CRC Press,
2007 (popular introduction to polymer chemistry)
[16] Seymour, R. B., Engineering Polymer Sourcebook, McGraw Hill, 1990 (good
overview of physical properties of engineering polymers)
[17] Sperling L. H., Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, 2d d., WileyInterscience, 1992 (good treatment of polymer physics and properties)
[18] van Krevelen, D. W., Properties of Polymers, 3rd ed., Elsevier, 1990 (in-depth
treatment of polymer properties, best resource available)
[19] Whistler, R., Industrial Gums, 2nd ed., Academic Press, 1973 (although outdated,
gives solid background on the chemistry and properties of cellulosics and
polysaccharides)
[20] Wu, C. S., Ed., Handbook of Size Exclusion Chromatography, 2nd ed., Marcel
Dekker, 2003 (covers all aspects of this important technique).

Polymers 2013 Copyright 2014 Taylor & Francis

Group
All Rights Reserved
CD02