The Uses of Polymers

Polymers have a variety of uses. They are used in products such as plastics, synthetic fibers, and
rubber. Polymers are also used in the medical field as coatings for implants and in the pharmaceutical
industry as coatings for pills.
https://infinitylearn.com/surge/chemistry/uses-of-polymers/

-Polymers are a part of everyday life and examples can be found almost anywhere.
Many people think of polymers simply as plastics used for packaging, in household
objects and for making fibers, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a long-chain compound, formed by functional groups linked to carbonate groups. It
is considered thermoplastic, since it can be molded when heated. The main applications of this
compound are in CDs, filter containers, bottles, showcases, partitions, etc.
Polyurethane (PU)
This polymer is composed of a chain of organic units connected by urethane links. This option is
widely used in metal sheets, car upholstery, thermal insulation in waterproof clothing, casing,
coatings, films, belts and frames.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is a homopolymer formed by the polymerization of the styrene monomer. It is also part
of the thermoplastic polymers examples, which gives it greater flexibility. It can be used in the
manufacture of thermal insulation, air-conditioner fan cover, and toys, as well as machine and
automobile parts.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most produced synthetic polymers in the world. It can be
characterized as rigid or flexible. Its main applications are in partitions, translucent roof tiles, pipes
and connections for water, window blinds, sewers and ventilation.
Polypropylene (PP)
Belonging to the group of polyolefins, polypropylene, also called polypropene, is a thermoplastic
compound produced by polymerization by adding the propylene monomer. It can be applied in
containers for food, chemicals, fibers, oriented films, hospital material, among others.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Finally, polyethylene terephthalate is a thermoplastic composed of the reaction between ethylene
glycol and terephthalic acid. In general, this polymer is applied in the manufacture of wires, fabrics,
beverage packaging, cleaning products, brooms, food, soft drinks, and others.

Rubber is an elastomera polymer that is primarily characterized by its ability to regain

its original shape after being deformed. There are many different kinds of rubber, but
they all fall into two broad types: natural rubber and synthetic rubber.

Nylons are generally produced by reacting difunctional monomers containing equal

parts of amine and carboxylic acid so that amides are formed at both ends of each
monomer. Used for textiles, carpets, molded parts, zip ties, conveyor belts, hoses,
polymer-framed weapons, seat belts, parachutes, ropes, and industrial cords.

Silicone, also known as polysiloxane, is a high-performance elastomer made of

polymerized siloxanes (chains made of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms).Silicone
rubber is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction,
medical, electricity, food processing, etc. For instance, sealants and adhesives made of
silicone are used to seal and protect doors, windows, wings, and electrical
components in the aviation and construction sectors.
(2021, July 26). Polymers Used in Daily Life. Studious Guy.
https://studiousguy.com/polymers-used-in-daily-life/