Harmful Chemicals Commonly Used in the Polymer Industry
This handbook contains a summary on the toxic effects of the chief chemicals used in the polymer industry along with their major properties.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Harmful Chemicals Commonly Used in the Polymer Industry
Chapter 1: Harmful Chemicals Used In the Polymer Industry
Polymers do not cause health-related problems. The high molecular weight and chemical stability of these materials prevent significant absorption through the skin. Polymers are stable and inert when in contact with fluids in medical applications, such as catheter tubes and implants.
On the other hand, polymers may contain traces or residual impurities derived from the manufacturing process. They may also contain chemicals used as additives. These additives may perform the function of stabilizers, retardants, activators, accelerators, neutralizing agents, and so on. All these classes of chemicals should be considered from the point of view of toxic hazards.
This handbook contains a summary on the toxic effects of the chief chemicals used in the polymer industry along with their major properties.
Classification of Chemicals
The chemicals used in the polymer industry are usually classified according to their functionality. The major categories include monomers, vulcanizing agents, and activators and accelerators.
Monomers
Monomers are the actual building blocks of a polymer. The monomers used in the polymer industry that can be harmful to the exposed personnel and environment are:
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Acrylonitrile
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1,2-Butadiene
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Chloroprene
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Ethylidene Norbornene
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Isoprene
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Vinyl Chloride
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Polyethylene
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Trimethylolpropane Trimethylacrylate
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Polybutene Polymer
Vulcanizing Agents
Vulcanizing agents are chemicals that regulate the cross-linking process in polymer formation. These chemicals are responsible for modifying properties, such as softness and tackiness in a polymer.
Table 1-1 lists the chemicals used as vulcanizing agents along with their chemical families:
| Chemical Family | Chemicals |
|---|---|
| Alkaline earth oxides |
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| Aliphatic Amines |
|
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