Synthetic human hair wigs are made from a copolymer of vinyl chloride and acrylonitrile and is called: (a) Dynel (b) Cellulose (c) PVC (d) Polyacrylonitrile

Synthetic polymers are human-made materials designed to serve specific functions. They are long, repeating chains of molecules known as monomers, which are bonded together through a process called polymerization. Unlike natural polymers, which occur in nature like cellulose in plants or proteins in animals, synthetic polymers are engineered in the laboratory to exhibit particular physical and chemical properties.

Common examples include nylon used in textiles, polyethylene used in plastic bags, and polystyrene found in foam packaging. Synthetic polymers play a crucial role in various industries due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They can be tailored to be more flexible, heat-resistant, or durable depending on the types of monomers used and the manufacturing methods applied.

One notable application of a synthetic polymer is in creating synthetic hair for wigs, which often requires polymers that resemble the texture and flexibility of natural hair. This is an illustration of how synthetic polymers are an integral part of everyday products.

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas used primarily in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic polymer that is widely used in construction materials, piping, and many household items. It is an organochloride with the formula \( CH_2=CHCl \). Vinyl chloride is not only used in making homopolymers but also acts as a significant component in various copolymers.

In the presence of a catalyst, vinyl chloride monomers can be polymerized to form PVC, which is known for its strength and resistance to moisture and chemicals. When copolymerized with other monomers, such as acrylonitrile, it forms a material with a combination of properties derived from both monomers, achieving a balance of flexibility and chemical resistance.

Despite its usefulness, vinyl chloride has been found to be a carcinogen, and therefore its handling and manufacturing are strictly regulated to ensure safety.

Acrylonitrile is an organic compound used in the manufacturing of various synthetic polymers. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with the chemical formula \( C_3H_3N \). Acrylonitrile is primarily used in the production of polyacrylonitrile, which serves as a precursor to carbon fiber, and is also a component in many copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and synthetic rubbers.

When combined with other monomers like vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile contributes to the creation of copolymers that possess unique sets of characteristics, useful in many applications. For instance, the rigidity and heat resistance of acrylonitrile when fused with the flexibility of vinyl chloride result in a durable material suitable for creating synthetic human hair wigs, known as Dynel.

As with vinyl chloride, the processing of acrylonitrile is closely monitored due to its toxic nature, especially in terms of its potential health risks to workers during its polymerization and copolymerization processes.