Polymers: Polyphenylene oxideThough its technical name is poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide) it is mo
Polymers: Polyphenylene oxideThough its technical name is poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide) it is most commonly known as poly(phenylene oxide) or PPO. A condensation polymer, the polymerization of PPO produces water as a byproduct. It is a type of polyphenylene and is often grouped alongside polyphylene ethers as well.PPO is one of many high-performance polymers known as engineering thermoplastics. These polymers have higher glass transition temperatures, making them temperature resistant. However, these polymers are often more crystalline, and therefore more brittle. In order to help with processing of PPO and to increase the toughness, almost all commercially available forms of the polymer are blended with polystyrene (such as high-impact polystyrene, or HIPS). Applications of PPO (or, more commonly, blends of PPO and polystyrene) include those shown on the chart above. PPO is often used in applications where a polymer is desired but high heat resistance is also necessary, such as certain structural applications, electronics, and medical equipment (such as sterilizable instruments). Another common usage is in air separation membranes for the generation of nitrogen, an application which uses hollow fibers to create a membrane. Sources/Further Reading: ( 1 - image 1 ) ( 2 - image 2 ) ( 3 - image 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) -- source link
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