DEFINITION:

The word polymer; comes from the Greek words poly (meaning many)
and meros (meaning parts&).

Introduction:

Polymers are complex and giant molecules usually with carbons building the
backbone, different from low molecular weight compounds.

The small individual repeating units/moleules are known as monomers(means

single part).

Imagine that a monomer can be represented by the letter A. Then a polymer

made of that monomer would have the structure:

-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A

This kind of polymer is known as HOMOPOLYMER.

Molecular Structure
of Polymers

Linear

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, Nylon, Cotton

Branched

Low Density

- Polyethylene (LDPE)

Cross-linked

Rubber

Network

Kevlar, Epoxy

Synthetic Polymers

Three terms are used to describe the human-made polymers. These terms
are polymers, plastics and synthetic resins.

The first plastic was developed over 100 years ago. This material was
celluloid and was designed to place ivory in billiard balls. About 90 years ago,
Bakelite was developed by Leo Baekeland.
 Two Basic Types of Plastics:

Thermoplastics:

A type of plastic that can be softened by heat, hardened by cooling,

and then softened by heat over and over again. Thermoplastics are not cross-linked.

Thermoplastics such as polyethylene, Nylon, Polyvinyl chloride which

soften on heating.

Example: Polyvinyl chloride

Thermosets

Thermosets - having the property of becoming permanently hard and rigid

when heated or cured; "the phenol resins and plastics were the original
synthetic thermosetting materials"

They are hard and rigid at room temperature and do not soften on heating.

Examples and uses of Thermosets plastic materials:

Epoxy resins - used as coating materials, caulks, manufacture of insulating

materials, etc ...

Phenolic resins - tool handles, billiard balls, sprockets, insulation, etc ...

Unsaturated polyester resins - manufacture of plastics reinforced fiberglass

commonly known as polyester,

fillers, etc ...

Elastomers

These materials can be stretched twice their normal length. They must return
quickly to their original size when the stress is released. Natural and
Synthetic Rubbers are common elastometers. Also, rubber and contact
cements are elastomers adhesives.

Characteristics of Polymers

Low Density.

Low coefficient of friction.

Good corrosion resistance.

Good mould ability.

 Excellent surface finish can be obtained.

Can be produced with close dimensional tolerances.

Economical.

Poor tensile strength.

Low mechanical properties.

Poor temperature resistance.

Can be produced transparent or in different colours

Applications of Polymers

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, garbage
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 composites, and
elastomers are all polymer applications used in the industrial market.

Sports

Playground equipment, various balls, golf clubs, swimming pools, and

protective helmets are often produced from polymers.