Polymers

- The term polymer is commonly used in the plastics and composites industry, often as a
synonym for plastic or resin. Actually, polymers include a range of materials with a
variety of properties. They are found in common household goods, in clothing and toys,
in construction materials and insulation, and in numerous other products.
- A polymer is a chemical compound with molecules bonded together in long, repeating
chains. Because of their structure, polymers have unique properties that can be tailored
for different uses.
- Polymers are both man-made and naturally occurring.

Types of Polymers
Synthetic Polymer- include materials such as polyethylene, the most common plastic in
the world found in items ranging from shopping bags to storage containers, and
polystyrene, the material used to make packing peanuts and disposable cups. Some
synthetic polymers are pliable (thermoplastics), while others are permanently rigid
(thermosets). Still others have rubber-like properties (elastomers) or resemble plant or
animal fibers (synthetic fibers). These materials are found in all sorts of products, from
swimsuits to cooking pans.

Natural Polymer-The most common natural polymer on Earth is cellulose, an organic

compound found in the cell walls of plants. It is used to produce paper products, textiles,
and other materials such as cellophane. Rubber, for example, is a natural polymeric
material that has been used for thousands of years. It has excellent elastic qualities, the
result of a molecular polymer chain created by mother nature. Another natural polymer is
shellac, a resin produced by the lac bug in India and Thailand, which is used as a paint
primer, sealant, and varnish.

Properties

Depending on the desired use, polymers can be fine-tuned to leverage certain advantageous
properties. These include:

Reflectivity: Some polymers are used to produce reflective film, which is used in a variety of
light-related technologies.
Impact Resistance: Sturdy plastics that can withstand rough handling are perfect for
luggage, protective cases, car bumpers, and more.
Brittleness: Some forms of polystyrene are hard and brittle and easy to deform using heat.
 Translucence: See-through polymers, including polymer clay, are often used in arts and
crafts.
Ductility: Unlike brittle polymers, ductile polymers can be deformed without falling apart.
Metals such as gold, aluminum, and steel are known for their ductility. Ductile polymers,
while not as strong as other polymers, are useful for many purposes.
Elasticity: Natural and synthetic rubbers have elastic properties that make them ideal for car
tires and similar products.

Examples

Common polymers include:

● Polypropylene (PP): Carpet, upholstery

● Polyethylene low density (LDPE): Grocery bags
● Polyethylene high density (HDPE): Detergent bottles, toys
● Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC): Piping, decking
● Polystyrene (PS): Toys, foam
● Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon): Non-stick pans, electrical insulation
● Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, Lucite, Plexiglas): Face shields, skylights
● Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc): Paints, adhesives
● Polychloroprene (Neoprene): Wet suits

Additional Information About Polymer

❖ Usually polymers are made up of petroleum but not always.

❖ Formation of cross links in a polymer makes it stronger and more elastic. These polymers
are known as elastomers.
❖ The word polymer is Greek for 'many parts.'
❖ The smaller molecules that come together to form polymers are called monomers--small
units that link together over and over to form a large polymer

Sources

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-polymer-820536

https://study.com/academy/lesson/polymers-lesson-for-kids-definition-facts.html