"A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very large molecules called macromolecules..."
The study of polymer structure and properties for applications in plastics, textiles, and composites.
Polymerization: Polymerization refers to the process of joining smaller molecules, called monomers, together to form larger molecules, called polymers. It is the fundamental process that leads to the formation of all polymeric materials.
Polymer Structures: Polymers can have different structures, such as linear, branched, and cross-linked. The structure of a polymer influences its properties, such as its strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
Polymer Characterization: The characterization of polymers involves the analysis of their physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This is important for understanding how a polymer will behave under different conditions.
Polymer Processing: Polymer processing refers to the techniques used to shape polymeric materials into useful products. Techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding are commonly used in industry.
Polymer Properties: Polymeric materials exhibit a wide range of properties, including mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Understanding these properties is essential for the design and optimization of polymeric materials.
Polymer Composites: Polymer composites are materials made by combining two or more different types of materials, such as polymers and fillers or reinforcements. These composites can exhibit enhanced properties compared to their individual components.
Polymer Additives: Additives are chemical substances added to polymers to enhance their properties or to provide additional functionality. Examples of additives include plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, and flame retardants.
Polymer Degradation: Polymeric materials can degrade over time due to various factors, such as exposure to heat, light, or chemicals. Understanding the mechanisms of degradation and how to prevent or mitigate it is important for the long-term performance of polymeric materials.
Polymer Recycling: Polymeric materials can often be recycled, which is important for sustainability and reducing waste. Understanding the challenges and opportunities of polymer recycling is an important topic in materials engineering.
Polymer Applications: Polymeric materials are used in a wide range of applications, such as packaging, construction, automotive, medical, and electronics. Understanding the requirements and constraints of different applications is important for the design and selection of polymeric materials.
Polyethylene (PE): A thermoplastic polymer consisting of long chains of ethylene. It is widely used in packaging and construction applications due to its low cost, high strength, and excellent chemical resistance.
Polypropylene (PP): A thermoplastic polymer used in a range of applications, including food packaging, textiles, and automotive components. It is lightweight, strong, and has a high resistance to fatigue.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A synthetic polymer used in a wide range of applications, from construction and packaging to healthcare and consumer products. It is durable, lightweight, and resistant to many chemicals.
Polystyrene (PS): A rigid, transparent thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in packaging, insulation, and disposable food containers. It is easy to process and has a low cost.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): A high-strength, low-density thermoplastic polymer commonly used in packaging and textiles. Its notable properties include being lightweight and having excellent flexibility.
Polycarbonate (PC): A thermoplastic polymer used in a range of applications, including safety glasses, electronic components, and automotive components. It is known for its high impact resistance and transparency.
Polyurethane (PU): A flexible and durable polymer used in a variety of applications, including furniture, footwear, and automotive components. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for applications that require durability.
Polyamide (PA or Nylon): A thermoplastic polymer commonly used in textile and mechanical engineering applications due to its high strength and rigidity. It has excellent chemical and abrasion resistance.
Acrylic (PMMA): A thermoplastic polymer commonly used in optical applications, such as lenses, lighting fixtures, and signs. It is highly transparent and has good weather resistance.
Silicone: A synthetic polymer used in a range of applications, such as medical devices, automotive components, and consumer products. It is highly heat-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Fluoropolymers: A class of polymers that exhibit high resistance to chemicals, heat, and weathering. Examples include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), commonly used in high-performance coatings and electronic components.
"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..."