Introduction of polymers:
Polymers are macromolecules (giant molecules of higher molecular weight) formed by the repeated linking of large number of small molecules called monomers. The monomer is a micro molecule (small molecule) which combines with each other to form a polymer. Polymers are widely used in automobiles, defence, electrical goods and computer components.
Example:
Polyethylene is a polymer formed by the repeated linking of large number of ethylene molecule.
Classification of polymers on source
Based on source polymers are broadly classified into two types:
Natural polymer:
The polymers obtained from nature (plants and animals) are called natural polymers. Example: Starch, cellulose and protein.
Synthetics polymers:
The polymers which are prepared in the laboratories are called synthetic polymers. These are also called man-made polymers. Examples: PVC, polyethylene, nylon and bakelite.
Classification of polymers : applications
A large number of applications of polymers depend on their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elasticity and toughness. These mechanical properties depend on intermolecular forces like vander Waal’s forces, hydrogen bonds and dipole-dipole interactions existing in the macro molecules. When the length of the polymer chain is longer, stronger is the effect of intermolecular forces.
I like to share this Polymer of Lipids with you all through my article.
Polymers are macromolecules (giant molecules of higher molecular weight) formed by the repeated linking of large number of small molecules called monomers. The monomer is a micro molecule (small molecule) which combines with each other to form a polymer. Polymers are widely used in automobiles, defence, electrical goods and computer components.
Example:
Polyethylene is a polymer formed by the repeated linking of large number of ethylene molecule.
Classification of polymers on source
Based on source polymers are broadly classified into two types:
- Natural polymers
- Synthetic polymers
Natural polymer:
The polymers obtained from nature (plants and animals) are called natural polymers. Example: Starch, cellulose and protein.
Synthetics polymers:
The polymers which are prepared in the laboratories are called synthetic polymers. These are also called man-made polymers. Examples: PVC, polyethylene, nylon and bakelite.
Classification of polymers : applications
A large number of applications of polymers depend on their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elasticity and toughness. These mechanical properties depend on intermolecular forces like vander Waal’s forces, hydrogen bonds and dipole-dipole interactions existing in the macro molecules. When the length of the polymer chain is longer, stronger is the effect of intermolecular forces.
- Plastics: When a polymer is shaped into hard and tough utility articles by the application of heat and pressure, it is called as a plastic.
- Elastomers: The polymers that have elastic character like rubber are called elastomers. In elastomer the polymer chains are held together by weakest intermolecular force. Because of the presence of weak forces, the polymers can be easily stretched by applying small stress is removed. Example: Natural rubber is a gummy material, has poor elasticity. It becomes permanently deformed when stretched. However, a few cross links are introduced in the chain.
- Fibres: These are the polymers, having strong intermolecular forces between the chain. These forces are either H-bonds or dipole-dipole interactions. Because of strong forces, the chains are closely packed giving them high tensile strength and less elasticity. These polymers are long, thin and thread like materials. Therefore, these are used for making fibres. Examples: Nylon-6:6, Dacron and silk.
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