When its solution in a suitable solvent is evaporated, it leaves a tough but non-flexible film. It is, therefore, used in the manufacture of paints and lacquers.
3. Terylene( Dacron) It is a condensation product of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
Polymerisation is carried out at 420 to 460 K in the presence of catalyst mixture of zinc acetate and antimony trioxide.
Properties and uses
Terylene is highly resistant to the action of chemical and biological agents. Its fibres are quite strong and durable. It can also be blended with wool or cotton to obtain fabrics of desired composition.
Terylene is used in the manufacture of a variety of clothes such as terycot, terywool and terysilk as a result of blending with other yerns. It is also used for preparing magnetic recording tapes, conveyer belts, aprons for industrial workers etc.
Biopolymers and Biodegradable Polymers
Synthetic polymers are mostly non-biodegradable i. e., it is very difficult to dispose off the polymeric waste, e. g., polythene bags.
Nature has provided us a variety of polymers which can be produced by the biological systems in plants and animals. These are called biopolymers, e. g., polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, etc. In the biological system, these polymers decompose or hydrolyse in the Presence of different enzymes. This means that they are biodegradable.