Each question in this section has four suggested answers of which ONE OR MORE answers will be correct. Linear Polymer(s) among the following is/are (a) Terylene (b) amylopectin (c) cellulose (d) Nylon

When you hear the term 'Terylene', you're actually hearing a brand name that's become synonymous with a particular type of polymer called polyethylene terephthalate—commonly abbreviated as PET. It's a versatile material widely used in various packaging, textile, and engineering applications.

PET is made through a process called polymerization, where terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol are the key players. During this process, these substances come together in a long chain-like structure—forming a linear polymer without branching.

Insight into PET's Molecular Structure

What sets PET apart is its high strength to weight ratio, durability, and resilience. These properties largely come from its molecular structure, which consists of repeated units, each connected end-to-end forming long chains. PET's linearity allows it to pack tightly, which endows it with excellent barrier properties against gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen, making it ideal for soft drink bottles.

Recycling and Sustainability of PET

PET is renowned for being recyclable. Due to its linearity and simplicity in structure, it can be broken down and reformed into new products. This aspect of PET is crucial, given the increasing concerns regarding plastic waste and environmental sustainability.

Cellulose might not be something you think about daily, but it's all around us—literally. Found in the cell walls of plants, it's the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. Known for its robustness, cellulose is a straight-chain polymer, comprising numerous β-glucose units linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds.

One remarkable aspect of cellulose is its role in the structural support of plants. Because the glucose units link in a linear fashion, it allows the formation of strong fibrous elements. In fact, the linearity of cellulose is a significant contributor to the strength of materials like cotton, wood, and paper.

Cellulose in Everyday Life

Cellulose has extensive industrial applications. It's not just pivotal in paper production; we also utilize it to make textiles, such as cotton and linen, and in manufacturing a variety of bio-based products. Moreover, with the advancement of green chemistry, cellulose as a renewable material is at the forefront of creating sustainable solutions, including biofuels and biodegradable plastics.

Nylon, a name familiar in the world of synthetic fabrics, is actually a generalized name for a family of synthetic polymers known as polyamides. Nylon's creation marked a revolutionary development in the world of polymers when it was first introduced in the 1930s.

What makes nylon unique is its mode of synthesis. It's formed through a condensation reaction involving a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. This reaction continuously links monomers end-to-end, forming long chains—signifying its linear structure.

Versatility of Nylon

Nylon's strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion make it suitable for a wide array of products, from clothing and ropes to automotive parts and electrical equipment. The ability of nylon fibers to be drawn into very fine threads has made it popular in the textile industry, giving rise to garments that are both durable and comfortable.

Nylon and Sustainability

While nylon is a synthetic material, the focus on sustainability has led to the development of bio-based nylons and recycling methods to reduce its environmental impact. This focus on innovation ensures that nylon remains a vital material in both current and future applications while aligning with a more environmentally responsible approach to manufacturing.