"A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very large molecules called macromolecules..."
Materials made up of long chains of repeating units, which can have a wide range of properties and uses.
Polymerization reactions: This topic covers the different types of polymerization reactions, including addition polymerization, condensation polymerization, and ring-opening polymerization. It also discusses the mechanisms of each reaction and the factors that affect them.
Polymer structure: This topic covers the molecular structure of polymers, including their chain length, branching, and crosslinking. It also covers the arrangement of monomers in the polymer chain, such as the tacticity and stereochemistry.
Polymer properties: This topic covers the physical and chemical properties of polymers, including their mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. It also discusses how the polymer structure and synthesis affects their properties.
Polymer characterization: This topic covers the different techniques used to study polymers, such as spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography, and rheology. It also covers the parameters that can be measured, such as molecular weight, distribution, and morphology.
Polymer processing: This topic covers the different techniques used to form polymers into useful shapes and sizes, such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and 3D printing. It also covers how processing affects the properties of the polymer.
Polymer applications: This topic covers the various uses of polymers in everyday life, including packaging, textiles, construction, electronics, and biomedical applications. It also discusses the advantages and limitations of using polymers in these applications.
Biomaterials: This topic covers the use of polymers in medicine and healthcare, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and prosthetics. It also covers the challenges of designing biocompatible and biodegradable polymers.
Polymer synthesis: This topic covers the synthesis of polymers, including the different methods used, such as radical polymerization, anionic polymerization, and living polymerization. It also discusses the considerations that need to be taken into account during the synthesis.
Polymer blends and composites: This topic covers the combination of polymers with other materials, including fillers, fibers, and nanoparticles. It also covers the advantages and disadvantages of creating polymer blends and composites.
Polymer degradation and stability: This topic covers the various factors that can affect the degradation and stability of polymers, such as UV light, heat, and chemical exposure. It also discusses the methods used to enhance their stability and protect them from degradation.
Polyethylene (PE): This is a thermoplastic polymer, and it is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. It has a simple structure and is used in various applications, such as packaging, bags, and pipes.
Polypropylene (PP): This is another thermoplastic polymer, and it is known for its high strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. PP is used in various applications, such as packaging, textiles, and automotive parts.
Polystyrene (PS): This is a thermoplastic polymer that is lightweight and can be easily molded into different shapes. It is commonly used in packaging, insulation, and disposable cutlery.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This is a thermoplastic polymer that is tough and durable, making it suitable for applications such as pipes, flooring, and cables.
Polycarbonate (PC): This is a thermoplastic polymer that is known for its high impact resistance and clarity. It is commonly used in applications such as safety glasses, electronic devices, and automotive parts.
Nylon: This is a synthetic polymer that is known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used in applications such as clothing, carpeting, and industrial machinery.
Polyester: This is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used in clothing, bedding, and carpets. It is known for its strength and resistance to wrinkle.
Polyurethane (PU): This is a versatile polymer that can be rigid or flexible and is commonly used in the production of foams, coatings, and adhesives.
Silicone: This is a polymer that is known for its high-temperature resistance, flexibility, and durability. It is commonly used in applications such as sealants, adhesives, and medical devices.
Rubber: This is a natural polymer that is known for its elasticity and flexibility. It is commonly used in applications such as tires, footwear, and seals.
"Polymers range from familiar synthetic plastics such as polystyrene to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins..."
"Polymers, both natural and synthetic, are created via polymerization of many small molecules, known as monomers."
"Their consequently large molecular mass, relative to small molecule compounds, produces unique physical properties including toughness, high elasticity, viscoelasticity, and a tendency to form amorphous and semicrystalline structures rather than crystals."
"The term 'polymer' derives from the Greek word πολύς (polus, meaning 'many, much') and μέρος (meros, meaning 'part')."
"The term was coined in 1833 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius..."
"The modern concept of polymers as covalently bonded macromolecular structures was proposed in 1920 by Hermann Staudinger..."
"Polymers are studied in the fields of polymer science (which includes polymer chemistry and polymer physics), biophysics and materials science and engineering."
"Historically, products arising from the linkage of repeating units by covalent chemical bonds have been the primary focus of polymer science."
"An emerging important area now focuses on supramolecular polymers formed by non-covalent links."
"Polyisoprene of latex rubber is an example of a natural polymer..."
"The polystyrene of styrofoam is an example of a synthetic polymer."
"In biological contexts, essentially all biological macromolecules—i.e., proteins (polyamides), nucleic acids (polynucleotides), and polysaccharides—are purely polymeric..."
"...proteins (polyamides)..."
"...nucleic acids (polynucleotides)..."
"...polysaccharides..."
"Due to their broad spectrum of properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play essential and ubiquitous roles in everyday life."
"...unique physical properties including toughness, high elasticity, viscoelasticity, and a tendency to form amorphous and semicrystalline structures rather than crystals."
"Polymer science (which includes polymer chemistry and polymer physics), biophysics, and materials science and engineering."
"Their consequently large molecular mass, relative to small molecule compounds, produces unique physical properties..."