Question 1

Which of the following materials practically possesses no elasticity (i.e., shows very little reversible strain), especially in common room-temperature service?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Elasticity refers to reversible deformation. Elastomers like spandex and many rubbers display large recoverable strains. In contrast, highly crosslinked hard materials show minimal elasticity and behave rigidly. Given Data / Assumptions: Vulcanite (ebonite) is heavily crosslinked hard rubber. Spandex is a specialty elastomer with extreme stretch and recovery. Polysulfide rubber is an elastomer; cured epoxy is rigid but retains a small elastic range before brittle failure. Concept / Approach: High crosslink density eliminates the chain mobility necessary for large elastic strains. Ebonite, produced by vulcanising rubber with high sulfur content, is essentially a hard, rigid material exhibiting negligible elastic extension compared to elastomers. Step-by-Step Solution: Contrast elastomers (spandex, polysulfide) with hard networks (ebonite, epoxies).Identify the material essentially devoid of practical elasticity.Select vulcanite (ebonite). Verification / Alternative check: Property tables list ebonite with high hardness and very low elongation at break, confirming minimal elasticity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Spandex: iconic high-elasticity fibre.Polysulfide rubber: elastomeric.Epoxy: rigid but still exhibits a small elastic modulus region; question asks for “practically no elasticity,” best matching ebonite.Natural rubber: classic elastomer. Common Pitfalls: Equating “stiff” with “no elasticity”; even stiff solids have an elastic region, but ebonite’s elastic extensibility is extremely low compared to elastomers. Final Answer: Vulcanite (ebonite, hard rubber)

Question 2

“Rexine” (artificial leather for table covers, seat covers, footwear) is made by coating thick cloth with which molten/plastisol polymer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Artificial leather products such as rexine are widely used. The base fabric is typically coated with a PVC plastisol or organosol, then gelled and fused to create a durable, leather-like surface. Given Data / Assumptions: Rexine is historically associated with PVC-coated fabrics. Processing employs PVC dispersions with plasticisers and stabilisers, then heat-fusing. Other listed polymers do not match the classic rexine process. Concept / Approach: PVC’s ability to form flexible, embossed films with good abrasion resistance and cleanability makes it ideal for coated fabrics that mimic leather. PTFE and phenolics are unsuitable; SBR is used in rubberised fabrics but not the canonical “rexine”; EVA appears in footwear foams rather than leather-like coatings. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify polymer commonly used in leatherette coatings.Confirm PVC plastisol technology.Select PVC. Verification / Alternative check: Manufacturing descriptions of PVC coated fabrics detail plastisol coating, gelation, and embossing steps typical for rexine. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PTFE/Bakelite: incompatible with flexible coated fabric processing.SBR: rubber coatings exist but are not “rexine.”EVA: used more for foams/films, not classic leatherette coatings. Common Pitfalls: Confusing generic “artificial leather” with any polymer coating; rexine is specifically associated with PVC. Final Answer: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Question 3

Identify the option that is NOT an elastomer among the following common materials.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Elastomers are polymers capable of large, reversible deformations. The list provided includes well-known elastomer families used across seals, hoses, adhesives, and consumer goods. Given Data / Assumptions: Polyisoprene = natural rubber analogue. Neoprene = polychloroprene elastomer. NBR = nitrile rubber, oil-resistant elastomer. Silicone rubber (VMQ) = high-temperature elastomer. Concept / Approach: Since all listed specific materials are elastomers, the only correct choice to the prompt “Which is not an elastomer?” is “None of these,” meaning each named material is, in fact, an elastomer. Step-by-Step Solution: Check each named polymer family for elastomeric usage and properties.Confirm all are elastomers in standard applications.Choose “None of these.” Verification / Alternative check: Materials handbooks list all four as elastomer classes with characteristic property profiles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each of (a), (b), (c), and (e) is an established elastomer; therefore they cannot be the correct “not an elastomer.” Common Pitfalls: Confusing “neoprene” as a trade name for wetsuits rather than the polymer family; it is an elastomer (polychloroprene). Final Answer: None of these

Question 4

Polymer processing methods: which listed polymer is commonly manufactured using all three addition (chain-growth) routes — bulk polymerisation, solution polymerisation, and suspension polymerisation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question assesses whether you can match polymers to their feasible industrial addition-polymerisation routes. Many vinyl monomers allow more than one route (bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion). Recognising which polymer is routinely produced via bulk, solution, and suspension helps consolidate process–material knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: The focus is on addition (chain-growth) polymerisation techniques. We compare PVC, Bakelite, PTFE, and epoxy resins. We consider mainstream, documented, scalable routes. Concept / Approach: PVC is an addition polymer of vinyl chloride. Industrially, it is dominantly made by suspension and emulsion routes; however, vinyl chloride can also be polymerised by bulk and solution methods (used historically and in specialty grades). Bakelite is a step-growth thermoset (condensation) and does not fit. PTFE is produced by suspension/emulsion of TFE, not bulk or solution in the usual sense due to extreme melt viscosity. Epoxy “resin” systems are prepolymers that subsequently cure; they are not addition homopolymers prepared by these three routes. Step-by-Step Solution: List viable routes for each polymer.Identify PVC as compatible with bulk, solution, and suspension in practice.Eliminate the non-addition or route-limited options. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks describe PVC production mainly by suspension and emulsion, while noting feasibility of bulk and solution processes for certain grades or studies. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bakelite: condensation thermoset, not applicable.PTFE: suspension/emulsion only; bulk/solution are not practical.Epoxy: thermosetting systems formed by curing, not chain addition of a vinyl monomer. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “dominant route” equals “only route”; feasibility across multiple methods is the core asked here. Final Answer: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Question 5

Bakelite (phenol–formaldehyde) resin: identify the application for which it is generally NOT used in standard practice.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Phenolic (Bakelite) resins are classic thermosets valued for heat resistance, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation. However, not every composite application uses phenolics as the principal matrix; understanding typical versus atypical uses is important for design selection. Given Data / Assumptions: Bakelite is a phenol–formaldehyde thermoset. Common uses include moulded electrical parts, bonding resins in laminates, and varnishes. “Glass-reinforced plastics” (GRP) ordinarily refers to unsaturated polyesters or epoxies as matrices. Concept / Approach: While phenolic resins can bond fabrics and papers in high-pressure laminates and have niche glass-reinforced phenolic composites (for fire/smoke/low-toxicity needs), the mainstream GRP sector uses polyester or epoxy matrices. Decorative paints typically rely on alkyds, acrylics, or epoxies; phenolic-modified resins can be present in specialised primers/varnishes but are not the everyday decorative topcoat resin either. Among the listed choices, the least standard is “glass-reinforced plastics as the primary matrix.” Step-by-Step Solution: Map phenolic strengths (heat, electrical) to typical uses.Recognise common GRP uses favour polyester/epoxy.Select the least typical primary application for phenolic: GRP matrix. Verification / Alternative check: Market overviews show GRP dominated by UP (unsaturated polyester) and EP (epoxy) matrices; phenolic composites exist but are niche. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Decorative laminates and electrical insulation are established phenolic domains; phenolic-modified coatings/varnishes also exist. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “possible” with “mainstream.” The question targets broad practice, not rare specialty cases. Final Answer: Glass-reinforced plastics as the primary matrix

Question 6

Industrial styrene production: by which process is styrene (the monomer for polystyrene) most commonly produced at scale?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Styrene is a foundational monomer for plastics and elastomers (PS, ABS, SBR). Knowing its commercial route clarifies upstream petrochemical linkages and plant integration with ethylbenzene and benzene–ethylene feeds. Given Data / Assumptions: Styrene monomer supply is tied to ethylbenzene. Processes should be feasible and widely adopted industrially. Concept / Approach: The overwhelmingly dominant route is catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene and hydrogen. Ethylbenzene is itself made by alkylating benzene with ethylene. Alternative listed routes are not commercial styrene routes. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify real-world dominant pathway: ethylbenzene → styrene + H2.Eliminate non-standard or unrelated reaction schemes. Verification / Alternative check: Refinery–petrochemical flow diagrams show styrene units fed by ethylbenzene dehydrogenation alongside SM/PO variants. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They do not represent practiced styrene manufacturing routes. Common Pitfalls: Confusing ethylbenzene dehydrogenation with unrelated ethanol or acetaldehyde chemistry. Final Answer: Catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene

Question 7

Adipic acid serves as a key intermediate in making which polymer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Monomer identification is crucial for understanding polymer families. Adipic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that pairs with a diamine to form a condensation polyamide via amide linkages. Given Data / Assumptions: Nylon-6,6 is synthesized from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. Other listed polymers use different monomer chemistries. Concept / Approach: Condensation polymerisation joins adipic acid (HOOC–(CH2)4–COOH) with the diamine to form repeating –CO–NH– bonds and release small molecules (e.g., water). PMMA needs methyl methacrylate; polystyrene needs styrene; Bakelite is from phenol and formaldehyde. Step-by-Step Solution: Match adipic acid to nylon-6,6.Eliminate polymers with mismatched monomers. Final Answer: Nylon-6,6 (polyamide 66)

Question 8

Basic definition check: polymers are best described as what kind of molecules?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Terminology matters. “Polymer” literally means many parts; polymer chains are very large molecules composed of repeating units called monomers. The standard term “macromolecule” captures their high molecular mass and chain nature. Given Data / Assumptions: We only need the accurate, widely accepted definition. Concept / Approach: Macromolecules possess molecular weights ranging from thousands to millions, often with distributions (polydispersity). Their size and entanglement drive viscoelastic behaviour and processing responses (e.g., melt viscosity scaling strongly with molecular weight). Step-by-Step Solution: Select “macromolecules.” Final Answer: Macromolecules

Question 9

Terylene classification: which description fits Terylene (polyethylene terephthalate, PET)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Terylene is the trade name for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), widely used as fibres and bottles. Proper classification helps differentiate polyester chemistry from polyamides and addition polymers. Given Data / Assumptions: PET forms by condensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid (or DMT). It is not a polyamide (those arise from diacids + diamines). It is not a homopolymer since two different monomers are used. It is not an addition polymer; it is a condensation polyester. Concept / Approach: Classify by mechanism and monomer set: PET = condensation polyester from two monomers; therefore options (a), (b), (c) are incorrect; “None of these” is appropriate. Final Answer: None of these

Question 10

Environmental stress cracking tendency: which polyethylene grade is most prone to stress-cracking under typical service conditions?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Environmental stress cracking (ESC) is a key failure mode in polyethylenes. Recognising which grade is more susceptible guides material selection for detergents, hydrocarbons, and long-term load exposure. Given Data / Assumptions: HDPE is stiffer and more crystalline, often with lower ESCR than certain LDPE/LLDPE grades unless stabilised. Cross-linked PE improves crack resistance. Concept / Approach: Higher crystallinity can raise notch sensitivity and reduce resistance to ESC in aggressive environments. LLDPE is designed for improved ESCR relative to HDPE in many packaging applications. Step-by-Step Solution: Compare ESCR trends: HDPE tends to be more prone than LDPE/LLDPE without additives.Select HDPE as most prone among the listed choices. Final Answer: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Question 11

Thermocole (expanded polystyrene, EPS): identify the application for which EPS is NOT suitable.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Expanded polystyrene (EPS, Thermocole) is a lightweight, closed-cell foam with excellent insulation at low to moderate temperatures. Its thermal stability, however, is limited compared to refractory materials. Given Data / Assumptions: EPS softens well below furnace temperatures. EPS is widely used for packaging and building insulation. Concept / Approach: Match material capability to service temperature. Furnaces require refractory or high-temperature insulations (e.g., ceramic fiber). EPS is combustible and thermally unstable at elevated temperatures, making it unsuitable for furnaces. Step-by-Step Solution: Evaluate each option against EPS temperature limits.Eliminate low-temperature and acoustic/packaging uses (valid).Select furnace insulation as unsuitable. Final Answer: High-temperature furnace insulation

Question 12

PTFE structural unit: which formula best represents the repeating unit/monomer basis associated with PTFE production?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is produced from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). Many questions refer to the monomer form when asking about the “repeating unit”; being able to identify the right formula avoids confusion. Given Data / Assumptions: The monomer for PTFE is tetrafluoroethylene: F2C=CF2. The polymer backbone repeat is –CF2–CF2– derived from TFE. Concept / Approach: When options list small molecular formulae, choose the correct monomer TFE for PTFE production. Alternatives such as chloro or fully substituted CF3 units do not match PTFE chemistry. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the PTFE monomer: F2C=CF2.Map it to the polymer repeat –CF2–CF2–. Final Answer: F2C=CF2

Question 13

“Orion” (commonly “Orlon”) fibre identification: which statement correctly describes it?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Orlon” is a trade name historically used for acrylic fibres based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The key recognition is the monomer identity and mechanism (addition chain-growth), not condensation. Given Data / Assumptions: Monomer: acrylonitrile (vinyl cyanide). PAN can be homopolymer or copolymer with small comonomer amounts, but the classic description is polymerised vinyl cyanide. Concept / Approach: Distinguish between chain-growth (vinyl) and condensation (step-growth). Acrylonitrile undergoes addition polymerisation to PAN; thus, the correct choice singles out polymerising vinyl cyanide. Final Answer: It is obtained by polymerising vinyl cyanide (acrylonitrile).

Question 14

ABS (acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) copolymer: which classification best fits ABS in engineering usage?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: ABS blends toughness from rubbery butadiene with rigidity from styrene–acrylonitrile. It is injection-moulded into housings, automotive parts, and appliances—hallmarks of engineering plastics. Concept / Approach: Engineering plastics are thermoplastics with improved mechanical and thermal performance over commodity resins. ABS fits this category, not thermosets or foams by default. Final Answer: Engineering plastic

Question 15

Manufacture of silicone rubber: the rate-controlling step in the overall process is typically which reaction stage?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Silicone rubbers are polysiloxanes made via hydrolysis of organochlorosilanes to silanols, followed by condensation to siloxane backbones and subsequent crosslinking. Understanding the slowest step clarifies process control. Concept / Approach: Hydrolysis of chlorosilanes is often rate-limiting, dictating silanol formation which then condenses to siloxane chains. Downstream condensation/cure can be accelerated by catalysts and conditions, but initial hydrolysis governs throughput and by-product removal (HCl). Final Answer: Initial hydrolysis of the silicone monomer (e.g., chlorosilane to silanol)

Question 16

Indian feedstock history: which starting material has been used in India for producing butadiene?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Butadiene is a key monomer for synthetic rubbers (SBR, polybutadiene). Historically, multiple routes existed globally; in India, ethanol-derived routes (e.g., Lebedev process) have been notable. Concept / Approach: Ethanol can be converted to butadiene through catalytic dehydrogenation–condensation sequences. Other listed feedstocks do not represent India’s historical starting material choice for butadiene. Final Answer: Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)

Question 17

Shaping thermosetting plastics: which moulding process is used exclusively for thermosets (in its classic form)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Thermosets cure irreversibly; forming methods must allow in-mould crosslinking under heat and pressure. Compression moulding is the classic, exclusive process historically associated with thermosets like phenolics and melamines. Concept / Approach: Compression moulding loads a preheated charge into a heated cavity and cures it under pressure—ideal for thermosets. Transfer moulding also serves thermosets but is not traditionally termed “exclusive” in basic texts; extrusion and injection are primarily thermoplastic routes. Final Answer: Compression moulding

Question 18

Packaging films: liners of bags are usually made from which polymer for flexibility, sealability, and cost?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Bag liners require low cost, good heat sealing, chemical resistance, and flexibility. Polyethylene grades (LDPE/LLDPE) dominate due to balanced properties and easy processing. Concept / Approach: PE offers excellent sealability and toughness; PVC and polyesters are used for specific applications, while PP is common in woven sacks but liners are typically PE for better seal performance at lower temperatures. Final Answer: Polythene (polyethylene)

Question 19

Styrene and phenol industry facts: identify the WRONG statement among the following.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This checks knowledge of integrated feedstocks and economic drivers in aromatic chemicals. Knowing which processes hinge on cheap chlorine or specific feeds helps evaluate competitiveness. Concept / Approach: Styrene: benzene + ethylene → ethylbenzene → dehydrogenation to styrene (true). SBR is a styrene copolymer used in tyres (true). The chlorobenzene–caustic route to phenol indeed entails chlorination, causticisation, and hydrolysis (true). The questionable claim is that this phenol route is competitive even without low-cost chlorine; in reality, its economics depend strongly on chlorine cost and alternatives (e.g., cumene route) often dominate. Final Answer: The chlorobenzene–caustic process for phenol remains competitive even without low-cost chlorine supply.

Question 20

Elastomer identification: which of the following is an elastomer (rubbery polymer)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Elastomers display large reversible deformations. Among the listed materials, only polysulfide rubber (Thiokol) is an elastomer; the others are rigid thermosets or thermoplastics. Concept / Approach: Phenolic and urea–formaldehyde are thermosets; polystyrene is a brittle thermoplastic at room temperature; Thiokol is a synthetic elastomer with notable fuel and solvent resistance. Final Answer: Thiokol (polysulfide rubber)

Polymer Technology Questions