Gellner Industrial: Our Polymer Dictionary

If you have been on Gellner Industrial’s site, you have probably noticed that a lot of words on there are well, not at a third grade reading level. No, to be familiar with Gellner Industrial as a company. You have to be familiar with the science behind it. You have probably seen words like acrylic polymer, anionic acrylic polymer, cationic acrylic polymer, hydroxyl functional acrylic polymer and non ionic acrylic polymer. Say what? Don’t worry, we will back it up a little for you and define each of the words that play such an integral part in our company as a whole.

Well, an acrylic polymer is simply a group of polymers that are noted for transparency, elasticity and resistance to breakage. They can be known as acrylics, acrylic polymers, acrylate polymers and polyacrylates. They are commonly used in paints, nail polish, vinyl and more. They could also be commonly referred to and associated with plastics.

Anionic acrylic polymers are a group of acrylic polymers that are created by a process called anionic polymerization. So what is anionic polymerization? Well, anionic polymerization is a form of polymerization (a process in which monomer molecules react together to form polymer chains and other networks) in which monomers with strong electronegative groups are used. The process is often used to form common substances like plastic and rubber. Something integral to this process is the presence of carbanions. Carbanions are described as “an organic anion in which the negative charge is located on a carbon atom.” They are so important during the process as monomers with strong electronegative substituents respond well to carbanions and incite the process of anionic polymerization.

So what is a cationic acrylic polymer, on the other hand? Well, they are acrylic polymers like we have talked about but conversely, they are created using cationic polymerization. So cationic polymerization is still polymerization so it entails a process in which monomer molecules react together to form polymer chains and other networks. However, it also varies greatly from anionic polymerization. With cationic polymerization, a cationic (an ion with fewer electrons than protons and a subsequently negative charge) initiator gives its charge to a monomer which will then become reactive and will react in a similar manner with other monomers. This is all in anticipation of becoming a polymer, which is the goal of the process. The process of cationic polymerization is used to make things like PVC, plastic, inner tubes and more.

So what is a hydroxyl functional acrylic polymer? Well, it is a polymer formed by a process in which functional groups combine to form amide (carboxylic acids in which the hydroxyl group has been replaced by an amine or ammonia) and ester (a compound in which at least one –OH hydroxyl group is replaced by an –O–alkyl group) linkages. Non ionic acrylic polymers on the other hand are formed from covalent bonds and cannot be dissolved in water.

So now that you have a better understanding of the science behind our products, check out Gellner Industrial’s extensive inventory and see how they can help you and your business.