Question

The commercial name of polyacrylonitrile is (A) Dacron (B) Orlon (acrolin) (C) \(\mathrm{PVC}\) (D) Bakelite

Short answer

The commercial name of polyacrylonitrile is \( \text{(B) Orlon (acrolin)} \).

Step-by-step solution

Option A - Dacron

Dacron is a brand name for a type of polyester fiber, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is not the commercial name of polyacrylonitrile.

Option B - Orlon (acrolin)

Orlon (also known as Acrolin) is in fact a commercial name of polyacrylonitrile; it is a synthetic fiber made from polymer acrylonitrile.

Option C - PVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a synthetic plastic polymer that is used in various applications, such as pipes, cables, and flooring. It is not related to polyacrylonitrile.

Option D - Bakelite

Bakelite is a type of early plastic that was once widely used for electrical and heat insulation purposes. It is made from phenol-formaldehyde resins, not from polyacrylonitrile. So, based on our analysis, we can conclude that: The commercial name of polyacrylonitrile is (B) Orlon (acrolin).

Key concepts

Commercial Names of Polymers

Polyacrylonitrile, a key synthetic fiber, is known commercially as Orlon. Understanding commercial names is vital, as these names are often more widely recognized than the chemical names. Commercial names give manufacturers a way of branding polymers, linking them to specific qualities or applications in the marketplace.
In addition to Orlon, other well-known commercial polymer names include:

• Dacron, which refers to a type of polyester.
• Teflon, known for its non-stick properties, is actually polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
• Plexiglas, a clear acrylic polymer, is essentially polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

These names help consumers and industries easily identify and differentiate materials based on their unique characteristics and uses.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers like polyacrylonitrile have reshaped the textile industry. These fibers are man-made and created through a polymerization process that converts petrochemical derivatives into fibers. This process provides fibers with beneficial properties that often outperform their natural counterparts.
Some traits of synthetic fibers include:

• High strength and durability.
• Resistance to water, mildew, and insects.
• Ability to be engineered for specific applications.

Orlon, the commercial name for polyacrylonitrile, is known for its thermal properties, making it suitable for sweaters and thermal underwear. The flexibility in design and application gives synthetic fibers a significant advantage in creating specialized clothing and industrial products.

Polymer Applications

Polymers are versatile materials with a multitude of applications spanning various industries. The adaptability of polymers like polyacrylonitrile owes to their distinct chemical and physical properties. In the case of polyacrylonitrile, its application as fiber (Orlon) is just one example.
Common polymer applications include:

• Textiles – creating fibers for clothing, such as nylon and polyester.
• Packaging – using plastics like polyethylene for bottles and wraps.
• Medical Devices – employing biocompatible polymers in prosthetics and implants.
• Construction – utilizing PVC for pipes and window frames.

Such applications highlight the importance of polymers in our daily lives as they contribute to industries including fashion, healthcare, and technology, enhancing functionality and innovation.