What Are polymers?

[plymer]

[polymer]

Polymers are substances containing a large number of strucural units joined by the same type of linkage. These substances often form into a chain-like structure. The chains are branched or interconnected to form three-dimensional networks. The repeat unit of the polymer is called monomer.

[linear/branched polymer]

The length of the polymer chain is specified by the number of repeat units in the chain, which is called

degree of polymerization (DP)

.
[chain polymer]

Starch, cellulose, and rubber all posses polymeric properties.

Applications of polymers:

  • Agriculture and Agribuiness

    Polymeric materials are used in and on soil to improve aeration, provide mulch, and promote plant growth and health.

  • Medicine

    Many biomaterials, especially heart valve replacements and blood vessels, are made of polymers like Dacron, Teflon and polyurethane.

  • Consumer Science

    Plastic containers of all shapes and sizes are light weight and economically less expensive than the more traditional containers. Clothing, floor coverings, garbae disposal bags, and packaging are other polymer applications.

  • Industry

    Automobile parts, windshields for fighter planes, pipes, tanks, packing materials, insulation, wood substitutes, adhesives, matrix for composite, and elastomers are all polymer applications used in the industrial market.

  • Sports

    Playground equipment, various balls, golf clubs, swimmimg pools, and protective helmets are often produced from polymers.

    [plymers]

    Next (polymerization)