Question 1

Coagulation of natural rubber latex: Natural rubber is harvested as an aqueous latex (a colloidal dispersion of polymer particles). Which of the following salts are used as coagulants to destabilize latex and obtain solid rubber?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Latex coagulation converts dispersed rubber particles into a continuous solid. While organic acids (e.g., acetic or formic acid) are widely used, certain multivalent salts (alums) can also neutralize particle charges and trigger coagulation. This tests knowledge of practical coagulants besides acids. Given Data / Assumptions: Latex is a negatively charged colloid stabilized in water. We consider inorganic salt coagulants — specifically, ammonium alum and potassium alum. Goal: identify which listed salts are effective coagulants. Concept / Approach: Coagulation occurs when electrostatic stabilization is disrupted. Trivalent Al3+ from alum salts compresses the electrical double layer and bridges particles. Both ammonium alum and potassium alum supply Al3+ along with sulfate, creating conditions for flocculation and coagulation of latex. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize latex stabilization mechanism: surface charge and double layer.Apply multivalent cation effect: Al3+ promotes rapid coagulation.Conclude that both ammonium alum and potassium alum can coagulate latex. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial practice predominantly uses weak acids due to cost and quality control, but alum salts are known coagulants and appear in process literature for special cases or lab use. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only one alum: unnecessarily restrictive; both work via Al3+. Neither: incorrect—alums are effective coagulants. Common Pitfalls: Assuming only acids coagulate latex; salts can, too. Confusing stabilization (ammonia preservation) with coagulation; alums counter stabilization. Final Answer: both a & b

Question 2

Choice of plastics for appliance and electronics housings: Transistor housings and many refrigerator interior components are most commonly manufactured from which thermoplastic due to its rigidity, surface finish, and ease of molding?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Appliance interiors and small electronic housings need materials that mold cleanly, hold tolerances, and provide a smooth, paintable surface. Historical and current practice often favors a specific commodity plastic for refrigerator liners, knobs, and small electronic covers. Given Data / Assumptions: Applications: transistor parts/housings; refrigerator liners and trim. Requirements: rigidity, dimensional stability, glossy surface, low cost. Concept / Approach: Polystyrene (including high-impact polystyrene, HIPS) offers easy processing, good stiffness, and attractive finishes, making it a staple for appliance interiors and small electronic parts. HDPE is tough but waxy and less rigid; polyurethane is common for refrigerator foam insulation (not housings); polyesters are used in fibers and engineering plastics but are less typical for these mass-market molded parts. Step-by-Step Solution: Match application needs (stiffness, finish) to material properties.Identify polystyrene/HIPS as the mainstream choice for liners and housings.Rule out materials whose typical uses don’t align with these parts (e.g., PU foam for insulation). Verification / Alternative check: Appliance BOMs and materials guides list polystyrene/HIPS as standard for refrigerator liners and electronics casings; ABS is also common, but among the listed options, polystyrene is the best match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Polyester: wide family; not the classic choice for liners/housings here. HDPE: flexible and waxy surface; less dimensional rigidity/finish. Polyurethane: used for foamed insulation, not the rigid shell in this context. Common Pitfalls: Confusing interior foam (PU) with visible plastic hardware (PS/HIPS). Assuming any “plastic” works equally well; surface and rigidity matter. Final Answer: polystyrene

Question 3

Industrial production of nylon-6 from caprolactam: Caprolactam is polymerized to nylon-6 via ring-opening polymerization. At approximately what reactor temperature range is about 90% conversion typically achieved?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nylon-6 is produced by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam, often with a small amount of water as initiator. The process requires elevated temperature to drive ring opening and condensation, yielding high molecular weight polymer. Given Data / Assumptions: Reactant: ε-caprolactam. Target: ≈90% monomer conversion in the reactor stage. We consider typical industrial conditions. Concept / Approach: Caprolactam polymerization is thermally activated and commonly carried out around 250–280 °C. Lower temperatures (ambient or below) are far too low for practical rates; excessively high temperatures risk degradation and side reactions, not higher conversions. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall standard nylon-6 process: melt polymerization with water initiator.Match typical process window: roughly 250–280 °C.Select the range consistent with ≈90% monomer conversion in reactor. Verification / Alternative check: Process descriptions and plant practice reference reactor temperatures near 260–270 °C, followed by finishing/devolatilization to drive conversion and remove residual monomer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sub-ambient or ambient ranges (−5 °C, 10–30 °C): kinetics are negligible. 500–600 °C: far beyond safe processing; thermal degradation dominates. Common Pitfalls: Mixing nylon-6 (from caprolactam) with nylon-66 (hexamethylene diamine + adipic acid); conditions differ. Assuming higher temperature always improves conversion—degradation limits apply. Final Answer: 250–280 °C

Question 4

Role of peptizers in rubber compounding and processing: Why are peptizers such as aromatic mercaptans (e.g., thiophenes) added to raw rubber during mastication on mills and internal mixers?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Raw rubber has high molecular weight and entanglement density, resulting in very high viscosity. Before compounding and shaping, it is “masticated” to lower viscosity. Chemical peptizers accelerate chain scission under shear and heat, improving processing efficiency. Given Data / Assumptions: Additives: aromatic mercaptans/thiophenic peptizers. Operation: milling or internal mixing at elevated temperature. Goal: improved processability (lower viscosity, better filler dispersion). Concept / Approach: Peptizers form reactive species that facilitate chain cleavage during mechanical working. This reduces molecular weight and Mooney viscosity, allowing faster mixing, improved filler wetting, and lower energy consumption. They do not primarily act as antioxidants or vulcanization accelerators (though overall mixing times can change when viscosity drops). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify processing challenge: raw rubber too viscous.Apply peptizer function: promote chain scission under shear/heat.Effect: reduced viscosity, easier processing and mixing. Verification / Alternative check: Mooney viscosity measurements before/after peptizer addition show measurable reductions, demonstrating improved processability. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Protection against oxygen/ozone: that is the job of antioxidants/antiozonants. Reducing vulcanization time/agent: primarily done by accelerators/activators, not peptizers. Increasing viscosity: opposite of peptizer intent and effect. Common Pitfalls: Confusing peptizers with accelerators or antioxidants. Using excessive peptizer, which can over-reduce molecular weight and harm properties. Final Answer: to reduce viscosity so that processing is easier

Question 5

Materials choice for inner tubes of automobile tyres: Given the need for very low air permeability and good oxidation resistance, which rubber is most suitable for manufacturing inner tubes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Inner tubes must retain air over long periods and resist oxidative aging. The polymer's gas permeability and chemical stability are decisive. Among common elastomers, one material is preferred for its exceptionally low permeability to gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. Given Data / Assumptions: Functional requirement: minimal gas diffusion through the tube wall. Environmental requirement: resistance to oxygen and ozone. Candidate rubbers: SBR variants, NBR, and IIR (butyl). Concept / Approach: Butyl rubber (isobutylene-isoprene copolymer) has a tightly packed, saturated backbone that yields very low gas permeability. It is therefore the standard for inner tubes and air bladders. SBR (including “cold” or emulsion versions) and NBR have higher permeabilities and are less suitable for long-term air retention. Step-by-Step Solution: Compare gas permeability among candidates.Identify IIR as the lowest-permeability elastomer commonly used.Select butyl rubber for inner tubes. Verification / Alternative check: Permeation data tables consistently show IIR permeation coefficients well below SBR and NBR. Butyl inner tubes are standard in automotive and bicycle applications. Why Other Options Are Wrong: SBR (cold or emulsion): higher gas permeability; used in tread/sidewall blends, not inner tubes. NBR: oil-resistant but not optimized for air impermeability. Common Pitfalls: Choosing rubbers for unrelated strengths (e.g., oil resistance) instead of permeability. Ignoring the effect of unsaturation on oxidative stability. Final Answer: butyl rubber (IIR)

Question 6

Historical materials for automotive steering wheels: Considering rigidity, finish, and moldability used in classic automotive interiors, steering wheels have commonly been manufactured from which of the following plastics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Automotive steering wheels historically needed a hard, glossy, and moldable material capable of fine surface finish. Earlier generations often relied on specific cellulose-based plastics before the widespread adoption of modern engineering polymers and polyurethane overmolding. Given Data / Assumptions: Focus on traditional/legacy materials used in classic vehicles. Properties sought: good moldability, surface finish, sufficient rigidity. Concept / Approach: Cellulose acetate was widely used for molded consumer goods and interior automotive trim owing to its machinability and finish. Cellulose nitrate (nitrocellulose) is flammable and less suitable for safety reasons. PVC and HDPE are useful plastics but have different tactile and mechanical profiles and were not the classic choice for hard steering wheels in earlier eras. Step-by-Step Solution: Match historical manufacturing practice to material properties.Eliminate hazardous or unsuitable options (cellulose nitrate).Recognize cellulose acetate as a period-appropriate, commonly used steering wheel plastic. Verification / Alternative check: Restoration guides and period catalogs list cellulose acetate and phenolic (Bakelite) as common materials; among the provided options, cellulose acetate is the most fitting. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cellulose nitrate: safety/flammability concerns. PVC: used for skins and flexible parts; not typical for hard wheels historically. HDPE: waxy surface, limited stiffness and finish compared with acetate/phenolics. Common Pitfalls: Assuming modern polyurethane overmolding was always the standard. Confusing trim skins (PVC) with the rigid core material. Final Answer: cellulose acetate

Question 7

Polymer fibers — Orlon (often spelled Orlan in trade contexts) used as a wool substitute is primarily which material?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Textile science frequently uses trade names for synthetic fibers. Orlon (sometimes seen as Orlan in older sources) is a classic wool substitute because of its warmth, resilience, and ease of care. Understanding the underlying polymer helps learners connect fiber properties to polymer chemistry. Given Data / Assumptions: The product referred to is Orlon, a commercial acrylic fiber historically produced by DuPont. We are asked to choose the correct base polymer among common candidates. Focus is on polymer identity rather than processing conditions. Concept / Approach: Acrylic fibers are defined by a high acrylonitrile content. Orlon is based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN), sometimes copolymerized with small amounts of comonomers to improve dyeability or processing. PAN’s nitrile groups provide rigidity and intermolecular interactions that lead to good strength and warmth retention—hence its use as a wool substitute. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the family: Orlon belongs to the acrylic fiber family.Acrylic fibers are primarily derived from acrylonitrile monomer → polymer is polyacrylonitrile (PAN).Therefore, the correct selection is PAN. Verification / Alternative check: Standard polymer/fiber handbooks list Orlon as a trade name for acrylic fibers, whose base polymer is PAN; historical product literature confirms this. Why Other Options Are Wrong: An amorphous polymer: too generic; many fibers are amorphous or semi-crystalline—does not identify Orlon. Natural polymeric fiber: acrylics are fully synthetic, not natural. PMMA: known as acrylic glass (Plexiglas), a rigid thermoplastic, not a textile fiber. PET: polyester used in textiles (e.g., Dacron), but not Orlon. Common Pitfalls: Confusing acrylic (PAN) with polyester (PET) because both are synthetic; mixing trade names across polymer families. Final Answer: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)

Question 8

Polymer rheology — Viscoelastic behavior observed in many plastics most closely resembles which kind of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Many polymers do not behave as ideal Hookean solids or ideal Newtonian fluids. Instead, they are viscoelastic, meaning their deformation and recovery depend on both stress and time. This property has major implications for product design, creep resistance, damping, and processing. Given Data / Assumptions: The material is a plastic (polymer) under typical service or processing temperatures. We are comparing conceptual mechanical behaviors: elastic, viscous, combined, or other. No specific modulus or viscosity values are given; this is a conceptual classification. Concept / Approach: Viscoelasticity combines spring-like (elastic) and dashpot-like (viscous) responses. Under load, part of the strain is recoverable (elastic), and part is time-dependent and dissipative (viscous). Standard models include Maxwell, Kelvin–Voigt, and standard linear solid representations. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize polymer chains entangle and relax over time → time-dependent strain.Elastic component: immediate deformation and partial recovery when load is removed.Viscous component: delayed strain (creep) and stress relaxation; incomplete instantaneous recovery.Conclusion: behavior is a combination of solid- and liquid-like responses. Verification / Alternative check: Dynamic mechanical analysis shows phase lag between stress and strain in viscoelastic materials, directly evidencing the dual nature. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Purely solid: ignores creep/stress relaxation. Purely liquid: ignores elastic recovery. Neither: conflicts with standard rheological models for polymers. Perfectly plastic: describes yielding metals; not the general polymer response. Common Pitfalls: Assuming polymers are either “solid” or “fluid”; overlooking temperature and time scale effects on viscoelastic measurements. Final Answer: A combination of solid and liquid behavior (time-dependent)

Question 9

Fiber chemistry — Cellulose is the principal constituent of most which type of fibers?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cellulose is a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls and is the foundation of many textile fibers. Understanding which fiber classes are cellulose-based helps in predicting moisture behavior, dyeing characteristics, thermal stability, and care instructions. Given Data / Assumptions: The question contrasts cellulose-containing fibers with major synthetic families. Examples: cotton and flax (natural), viscose and lyocell (regenerated cellulose). Acrylics, spandex, and nylons are synthetic and not cellulose-based. Concept / Approach: Natural cellulosics (cotton, flax, jute, hemp) are primarily cellulose. Regenerated cellulose fibers (viscose rayon, modal, lyocell) are derived from cellulose dissolved and reprecipitated. In contrast, synthetic fibers like acrylic (PAN), spandex (polyurethanes), and nylon (polyamides) are petroleum-derived polymers. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify cellulose-containing classes: plant-derived natural fibers and regenerated cellulose.Exclude synthetic families: acrylics, spandex, nylons do not have cellulose backbones.Thus, the correct choice is natural (and regenerated) cellulose fibers. Verification / Alternative check: Textile references list cotton as ~90% cellulose, and rayon/lyocell as regenerated cellulose; acrylic and nylon contain no cellulose. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Acrylic: PAN-based, nitrile groups, not carbohydrate. Spandex: segmented polyurethane; elastomeric, not cellulose. Synthetic in general: many are non-cellulosic. Nylon: polyamide chain, not carbohydrate. Common Pitfalls: Equating “natural” with “protein” (e.g., wool) instead of recognizing plant cellulosics; forgetting regenerated cellulose is still cellulose-based. Final Answer: Natural fibers (e.g., cotton, flax) and regenerated cellulose types

Question 10

Rubber processing — In industrial rubber technology, “mastication” of rubber refers specifically to what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Mastication is a foundational step in rubber compounding. Before additives can be uniformly mixed and before the rubber can be processed effectively, the raw gum rubber must be softened and its viscosity reduced. This is achieved by mastication. Given Data / Assumptions: Mastication uses mechanical working (mills or internal mixers). Objective: reduce viscosity, improve processability and dispersion of fillers/chemicals. Not primarily a chemical antioxidant or curing operation. Concept / Approach: Mechanical shear and heat during mastication break long polymer chains (chain scission), lowering molecular weight and thus viscosity. This facilitates subsequent mixing of carbon black, zinc oxide, sulfur, accelerators, and other compounding ingredients. Step-by-Step Solution: Apply mechanical work in mixers → induce chain scission.Result: lower Mooney viscosity and improved flow.Outcome: easier dispersion of compounding agents and better downstream processing. Verification / Alternative check: Rheological measurements show reduced viscosity after mastication; micrographs evidence improved dispersion capability post-mastication. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Antioxidant addition: protects from oxidation but is not mastication. Accelerators: affect curing kinetics, not the softening step. Plasticizers: can lower viscosity, but mastication specifically refers to mechanical softening. Raising Tg via fillers: inconsistent; fillers often raise modulus but do not define mastication. Common Pitfalls: Confusing mastication with plasticization or vulcanization; assuming it is primarily a chemical process. Final Answer: Softening of raw rubber by mechanical working to reduce molecular weight and viscosity

Question 11

Elastomer trade names — The commercial name “neoprene” corresponds to which polymer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Trade names are ubiquitous in elastomer technology. Neoprene is a widely used synthetic rubber known for oil resistance, better weathering, and oxidative stability compared to natural rubber. Identifying its chemistry is key to understanding performance. Given Data / Assumptions: Neoprene is the trade name; we must map it to the base polymer. Options include common elastomer and polymer families. Concept / Approach: Neoprene is made by polymerizing chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene) to yield polychloroprene. The chlorine on the polymer backbone imparts improved resistance to oils, solvents, and oxidative degradation, distinguishing it from polyisoprene and SBR. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall: Neoprene ↔ polychloroprene.Chlorine substituent → enhanced resistance properties.Therefore, select polychloroprene. Verification / Alternative check: Manufacturer datasheets and polymer textbooks list neoprene as polychloroprene with typical applications in belts, hoses, shoe soles, and seals. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Polyisoprene: natural rubber analog; not neoprene. PTFE: engineering plastic, not an elastomer used as “neoprene.” PVAc: adhesive polymer; not neoprene. SBR: common synthetic rubber, but distinct from neoprene. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up neoprene with SBR due to overlapping applications; assuming any synthetic rubber is “neoprene.” Final Answer: Polychloroprene

Question 12

Nylon-6 feedstock — Caprolactam, the monomer used to make nylon-6, is industrially produced starting from which primary aromatic feedstock?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nylon-6 is a major engineering and textile polymer produced by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam. Understanding the upstream petrochemical pathway is core chemical technology knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: We are selecting the principal industrial route to caprolactam. Modern routes commonly begin with benzene. Concept / Approach: Industrial synthesis typically proceeds: benzene → cyclohexane → cyclohexanone (or cyclohexanone oxime) → caprolactam (via Beckmann rearrangement). Alternative routes have existed historically, but benzene-based routes dominate due to availability and economics. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify mainstream feed: benzene.Hydrogenate/oxidize sequence → cyclohexanone.Convert to oxime; Beckmann rearrangement → caprolactam. Verification / Alternative check: Process economics and global capacity reports confirm benzene-based routes as the principal industrial method. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Phenol and toluene: used in other syntheses; not the dominant caprolactam starting points today. Naphthalene, pyridine: not standard modern routes for caprolactam production. Common Pitfalls: Confusing nylon-6 (caprolactam) with nylon-6,6 (adipic acid + hexamethylenediamine) feedstocks. Final Answer: Benzene (via cyclohexanone/oxime route)

Question 13

Rubber compounding — Zinc oxide and carbon black are added to crude natural rubber before vulcanization primarily to improve which property?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fillers and additives are essential in rubber compounding. Carbon black is the most common reinforcing filler, while zinc oxide participates in the vulcanization system and contributes to mechanical performance. Recognizing their primary role helps optimize formulations. Given Data / Assumptions: Matrix: natural rubber before sulfur vulcanization. Additives: zinc oxide and carbon black. We are asked for the principal performance benefit. Concept / Approach: Carbon black provides reinforcement: increased tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and improved fatigue life. Zinc oxide acts as an activator in sulfur vulcanization, improving crosslink efficiency and contributing to final strength. Together, they significantly enhance the mechanical properties relative to unfilled gum rubber. Step-by-Step Solution: Assess carbon black: classic reinforcing filler → stronger, more durable rubber.Assess ZnO: activator improving crosslinking → better modulus and tensile properties.Thus, primary effect: improved strength and reinforcement. Verification / Alternative check: Comparative tensile and abrasion data show large performance gains with carbon black/ZnO compared to unfilled compounds. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Elasticity only: reinforcement affects multiple properties, not just elastic recovery. Plasticity: mastication and oils/plasticizers handle processability, not primarily CB/ZnO. Weathering only: carbon black can aid UV resistance, but the core reason is reinforcement. Color/gloss: carbon black blackens; aesthetics are secondary to reinforcement. Common Pitfalls: Assuming ZnO is only a pigment; ignoring its activator role in vulcanization. Final Answer: Strength and reinforcement (tensile and abrasion resistance)

Question 14

Biomedical polymers — For vascular grafts or heart bypass applications, which tubing materials are commonly used as substitutes for human blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Vascular grafts require materials with biocompatibility, chemical stability, suitable porosity or surface for tissue integration, and appropriate mechanical compliance. Historically, PTFE (Teflon) and PET (Dacron) have been widely used for such grafts and bypass conduits. Given Data / Assumptions: Application: blood vessel substitutes (arterial grafts, bypass). Material choices include common commodity plastics and established biomedical polymers. We seek clinically used, well-documented options. Concept / Approach: Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) and woven/knitted PET (Dacron) provide the necessary strength, porosity, and biostability. They have long clinical histories, unlike PVC, PS, or PE in this specific role. Surface modifications may be applied to improve hemocompatibility. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify established graft materials: PTFE (Teflon) and PET (Dacron).Exclude commodity plastics with poor hemocompatibility or mechanical mismatch.Therefore, select PTFE/PET as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Surgical literature and device registries document PTFE and PET grafts across decades of practice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PVC, PE, PS, PP: although used in medical devices and tubing, they are not standard for permanent vascular grafts. Common Pitfalls: Confusing general medical tubing materials with implantable vascular graft materials; overlooking the importance of long-term hemocompatibility. Final Answer: Teflon (PTFE) / Dacron (PET)

Question 15

Neoprene production — The monomer used to produce neoprene rubber is:

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Linking elastomer trade names to their monomers clarifies structure–property relationships. Neoprene is prized for oil and weather resistance; this originates from the chlorine substituent on its diene monomer. Given Data / Assumptions: We identify the specific monomer for neoprene. Common conjugated dienes and halo-derivatives are listed. Concept / Approach: Neoprene is polychloroprene formed by the polymerization of chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene). The presence of chlorine provides enhanced oxidative and oil resistance relative to polyisoprene or polybutadiene elastomers. Step-by-Step Solution: Match name: neoprene ↔ polychloroprene.Thus, the monomer must be chloroprene.Therefore, choose chloroprene. Verification / Alternative check: Polymer references and manufacturer datasheets consistently define neoprene as polychloroprene made from chloroprene. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Chloroethane, vinyl chloride: produce different polymers (e.g., PVC from vinyl chloride). Isoprene: yields natural rubber equivalent (polyisoprene). Butadiene: yields polybutadiene or SBR when copolymerized with styrene. Common Pitfalls: Confusing chloroprene with vinyl chloride or isoprene due to similar names; forgetting the necessity of the conjugated diene structure. Final Answer: Chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene)

Question 16

Thiokol — In rubber and polymer technology, “Thiokol” refers to which material class?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Thiokol is a historical trade name for polysulfide rubbers. These elastomers are known for exceptional fuel and solvent resistance and good gas impermeability, making them valuable in sealants, fuel tank sealants, and chemical-resistant applications. Given Data / Assumptions: We must identify the correct class of material for “Thiokol.” Options include elastomers and unrelated polymer classes. Concept / Approach: Polysulfide rubbers are produced by condensation polymerization involving dihalides and sodium polysulfide, yielding –S–S– linkages in the backbone. These confer chemical resistance but also characteristic odor and specific mechanical behavior. They are often supplied as liquid polymers cured to elastomeric networks. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall: Thiokol is synonymous with polysulfide rubber.Properties align with sealant and solvent-resistant applications.Therefore, select polysulfide rubber. Verification / Alternative check: Industry datasheets and historical literature consistently identify Thiokol as polysulfide elastomer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Polyamide fiber: nylon family; unrelated. Engineering thermoplastics: different category (e.g., PC, POM). EPS foam: foamed polystyrene, not an elastomer. Silicone elastomer: different chemistry (siloxane backbone), not Thiokol. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all elastomers with chemical resistance are silicones; conflating trade names. Final Answer: Polysulfide rubber (liquid polysulfide elastomer)

Question 17

In polymer and fibre technology, “Dacron” (also marketed as Terylene) refers to which material class used for strong, wrinkle-resistant synthetic fibres?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Dacron is a widely used trade name in fibre science and textile engineering. Understanding what Dacron chemically represents helps learners connect trade names with polymer classes, processing behavior, and end-use properties such as strength, wrinkle resistance, and chemical durability. Given Data / Assumptions: Dacron is a trade/brand name used historically for a common synthetic fibre. It is produced by polycondensation of a diacid (or its ester) with a diol. The fibre is known for toughness, crease resistance, and good acid resistance. Concept / Approach: Dacron is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which belongs to the polyester family. It is typically made via transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol followed by polycondensation, or directly from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. The repeating ester linkage (-CO-O-) classifies it as a polyester, not a polyamide (e.g., nylon) or inorganic polymer (e.g., polysiloxanes with inorganic backbones). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the commercial name: Dacron = PET fibre.Classify by backbone and linkages: PET contains ester linkages → polyester.Eliminate other classes that do not match PET chemistry. Verification / Alternative check: Textile and polymer handbooks list Dacron/Terylene as PET, a linear thermoplastic polyester used for fibres, films, and bottles, confirming its classification as a polyester. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Unsaturated polyester: Typically used in resins for composites; Dacron is a saturated thermoplastic polyester (PET). Polyamide: Refers to nylons (amide linkages), not ester linkages. Inorganic polymer: PET is organic, not an inorganic backbone polymer. Common Pitfalls: Confusing trade names (Dacron, Terylene) with resin types like unsaturated polyester; assuming all synthetic fibres are nylons. Final Answer: Polyester

Question 18

Tubeless automobile tyres are commonly manufactured from which rubber type formed by copolymerizing isobutylene with a small percentage of isoprene for vulcanization sites?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Tubeless tyre technology relies on innerliner air-retention and chemical resistance. The choice of rubber strongly affects gas permeability, ageing, and road performance. Knowing which rubber underpins tubeless tyres is foundational in polymer engineering and automotive materials selection. Given Data / Assumptions: Copolymer system: predominantly isobutylene with a minor fraction of isoprene. Key requirement: very low air permeability, good heat/oxidation resistance. Application: tyre innerliner and sometimes entire tubeless tyre components. Concept / Approach: Butyl rubber (IIR) is a copolymer of isobutylene with a small amount of isoprene. The isoprene introduces unsaturation sites for vulcanization, while the highly saturated backbone from isobutylene confers exceptionally low gas permeability, making it ideal for tubeless tyres and innerliners. Other rubbers either permeate gases faster or target different performance attributes (oil resistance, flame resistance, etc.). Step-by-Step Solution: Match composition: isobutylene + isoprene → butyl rubber.Check property requirement: lowest air permeability needed → butyl excels.Eliminate alternatives with mismatched composition or properties. Verification / Alternative check: Standard tyre construction references specify butyl/IIR (and halobutyl variants) for innerliners due to superior air retention compared to SBR or natural rubber. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nitrile (NBR): Oil/fuel resistant, not optimal for air impermeability. Silicone: Excellent thermal stability but high gas permeability. Neoprene: Polychloroprene; used in hoses, belts, not the low-permeability leader in tyres. Common Pitfalls: Assuming oil/fuel resistance (NBR) equals suitability for innerliners; overlooking gas permeability as the critical driver. Final Answer: Butyl rubber

Question 19

Styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) made by emulsion polymerization maintains approximately what weight ratio of styrene to butadiene for general-purpose tyre applications?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: SBR is the workhorse synthetic rubber in tyres and many general applications. Its properties depend on the styrene:butadiene ratio (S:B) and polymerization technique (hot vs. cold emulsion), influencing glass transition, abrasion, and dynamic behavior. Given Data / Assumptions: Emulsion polymerization route (hot or cold), typical for SBR production. General-purpose grade used widely in tyres. Need to recall the conventional S:B ratio by weight for balanced properties. Concept / Approach: Conventional general-purpose SBRs commonly use about 23–25% styrene and 75–77% butadiene by weight, giving a nominal weight ratio S:B close to 1:3. This balance provides abrasion resistance, good processability, and suitable viscoelastic response for tyre treads and other applications. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall typical SBR composition → styrene ~25%, butadiene ~75%.Convert to ratio S:B → approximately 1:3.Select the closest option → 1:3. Verification / Alternative check: Polymer datasheets and handbooks list SBR 1500-series formulations around 23.5% styrene (≈1:3 S:B by weight), confirming the canonical ratio. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 3:1, 2:1, 1:2: These imply far higher styrene content, stiffening the rubber excessively and deviating from standard tyre-grade SBR proportions. Common Pitfalls: Confusing block copolymers or impact modifiers (higher styrene) with elastomeric SBR ratios; mixing up weight and mole ratios. Final Answer: 1:3

Question 20

In nylon-66 production (a polyamide used for fibres and engineering plastics), which organic diacid monomer combines with hexamethylene diamine during polycondensation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nylons are polyamides formed by condensation of diamines with diacids (or their derivatives). Nylon-66 is one of the most important, prized for strength, abrasion resistance, and thermal stability. Distinguishing among possible acid monomers is essential in polymer chemistry. Given Data / Assumptions: Target polymer: nylon-66 (the “66” denotes 6 carbons in diamine + 6 carbons in diacid). Common diamine: hexamethylene diamine (6 carbons). Need to identify the matching diacid with 6 carbons. Concept / Approach: Nylon naming convention aids recall: nylon-66 comes from a 6-carbon diamine (hexamethylene diamine) and a 6-carbon diacid, adipic acid (HOOC-(CH2)4-COOH). Condensation yields repeating amide linkages with water elimination and produces a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic. Step-by-Step Solution: Map “66” → C6 diamine + C6 diacid.Identify C6 diacid → adipic acid.Confirm typical industrial process → salt formation then polycondensation. Verification / Alternative check: Standard references list adipic acid as the diacid monomer for nylon-66; sebacic acid (C10) is used in nylon-610; terephthalic acid is used in polyesters (PET) or in aramids with diamines; benzoic acid is monofunctional and cannot form long linear polyamides with diamines. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sebacic acid: Yields different nylon types (e.g., 610). Terephthalic acid: Aromatic diacid used mainly in PET. Benzoic acid: Monocarboxylic, not suitable for linear step-growth polymerization with diamines. Common Pitfalls: Confusing nylon numbering; overlooking the requirement for bifunctional monomers for step-growth polymerization. Final Answer: Adipic acid

Polymer Technology Questions