
477
Polymers
3.3. Polymers
The physical properties of polymers depend not
only on the kind of material but also on the
molar mass, the molar-mass distribution, the
kind of branching, the degree of branching,
the crystallinity (amorphous or crystalline), the
tacticity, the end groups, any superstructure,
and any other kind of molecular architecture. In
the case of copolymers, the physical properties
are additionally influenced by the type of
arrangement of the monomers (statistical,
random, alternating, periodic, block, or graft).
Furthermore, the properties of polymers are
influencediftheyaremixedwithotherpolymers
(polymer blends), with fibers (glass fibers,
carbon fibers, or metal fibers), or with other
fillers (cellulose, inorganic materials, or organic
materials).
The tables and figures include the physical
and physicochemical properties of those polymers,
copolymers, and polymer blends which are widely
used for scientific applications and in industry.
The figures include mainly the following physical
properties: stress versus strain, viscosity versus
3.3.1 Structural Units of Polymers ................ 480
3.3.2 Abbreviations..................................... 482
3.3.3 Tables and Figures.............................. 483
3.3.3.1 Polyolefines............................ 483
3.3.3.2 Vinyl Polymers ........................ 489
3.3.3.3 Fluoropolymers ....................... 492
3.3.3.4 Polyacrylics and Polyacetals...... 497
3.3.3.5 Polyamides ............................ 501
3.3.3.6 Polyesters............................... 503
3.3.3.7 Polysulfones and Polysulfides ... 506
3.3.3.8 Polyimides
and Polyether Ketones............. 508
3.3.3.9 Cellulose ................................ 509
3.3.3.10 Polyurethanes ........................ 511
3.3.3.11 Thermosets............................. 512
3.3.3.12 Polymer Blends....................... 515
References .................................................. 522
shear rate, and creep modulus versus time. How-
ever, other physical properties are also included.
Additionally, the most relevant applications of the
materials are given.
The tables and figures include the physical and physico-
chemical properties of the most important polymers,
copolymers, and polymer blends. “Most important” here
means that these materials are widely used for sci-
entific applications and in industry. The values in the
Melting temperature T
m
: heating rate 10 K/min (ISO 11357).
Enthalpy of fusion ∆H
u
: the amount of enthalpy (given per monomer unit of the polymer) needed for the transition of
the polymer from the solid state to the molten state.
Entropy of fusion ∆S
u
: amount of entropy (given per monomer unit of the polymer) which is needed for the transition
of a polymer from the solid state to the molten state.
Heat capacity c
p
= (∂H/∂T )
p
≈ ∆H/∆T; ∆H = quantity of heat per mass unit, ∆T = temperature increase.
Enthalpy of combustion ∆H
c
: amount of enthalpy released in flaming combustion per unit mass of the polymer.
Glass transition temperature T
g
: heating rate 10 K/min (ISO 11357).
Vicat softening temperature : T
V
10/50, force 10 N, heating rate 50 K/h; T
V
50/50, force 50 N,
heating rate 50 K/h (ISO 306).
main tables are given for room temperature, that is,
≈25
◦
C; otherwise, the temperature is given in parenthe-
ses. The tables and figures include the following physical
properties:
Part 3 3