Question

Which of the following is an example of copolymer?
A.Buna-S
B.Teflon
C.PVC
D.Polypropylene

Answer 1

Hint: Copolymer is basically a polymer that is made up of two or more monomer species. Moreover, many commercially important polymers are copolymers. The polymerization of monomers into copolymers is called as copolymerization.

Complete step by step answer:
A polymer is a large molecule or a macromolecule which is further a combination of many subunits. They can be naturally found in plants and animals or are man-made. Basically, there are three types of polymers:
1.Natural
2.Synthetic
3.Semi-synthetic
Basically, when two different types of monomers are joined together in the same polymer chain, then the polymer formed is known as a co-polymer. Moreover, the process in which a polymer is formed from multiple species of monomers, is known as copolymerization and the copolymers obtained by copolymerization of two monomer species are called as biopolymers.
Now, co- polymers are classified as:
1.Linear copolymers (single chain)
2.Branched copolymers (polymeric chain)
3.Cross-linked polymer (composed of bifunctional and trifunctional monomers)

The structures are as shown:


Now, among the given options Buna-S is a copolymer. It is made up of two monomers i.e. 1,3- butadiene and Styrene. It is also known as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber. It is used for making automobile tyres and rubber soles. The polymerization is as shown:



Hence, option A is correct.

Note: Teflon is made up of a chemical compound named polytetrafluoroethylene which is a synthetic fluoropolymer. This compound is used as the coating for non-stick pans as they are hydrophobic and have a high resistance capacity towards heat. Moreover, PVC is a polymer which is made from polymerization of vinyl chloride and is used in products such as pipes, bottles etc.