The materials have unique properties, depending on the type of molecules being bonded and how they are bonded. Some polymers bend and stretch, like rubber and polyester. Others are hard and tough, like epoxies and glass.
While a paper chain presents a simple image of a polymer, in practical applications, polymers have much greater uses.Polymers touch almost every aspect of modern life. Chances are most people have been in contact with at least one polymer-containing product They make up the components of many objects used in our daily life like Plastic containers, nylon products,rubber tires,water bottles and many more gadgets.
To understand polymers we first need to get to know the monomer, which is a single molecule that has the ability to join with at lest two other monomers.The process of joining is called Polymerization, in which two separate molecules of the same or different types bind by sharing pairs of electrons.This union forms a covalent bond .
When monomers join with other monomers through the they form larger molecules, called polymers.The word polymers represents any unspecified number of monomers units just any amount greater than one.The number of bonds created by the monomers dictates the resulting chemical structure of the polymer.If a monomer bonds with only two other molecules, the result is a chain like structure.If it bonds with three or more molecules then three-dimensional, cross linked structure can form.
However, natural polymers also exist; rubber and wood, for example, are natural polymers that consist of a simple hydrocarbon, isoprene, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Two common examples of a natural polymer are the basic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) . Other naturally occuring polymers include silk, wool,hair,fingernails,toenails,cellulose and protiens.
Man-made polymers are often commonly refereed to as plastics ; they can be shaped and molded into different forms with many household and industrial uses.Most synthetic polymer are derived from petroleum oil, and different types include nylon,teflon and epoxy. The plastic or rubber items you encounter daily are all a type of polymer.The origin of man-made polymers traces back to central America and the ancient Aztecs, Olmec's and Mayas, who all made a form of rubber by combining natural latex founded in plants with the juice of morning glory vines.The resulting rubber was more pliable than brittle latex, and was used to make sandals as well as balls for ceremonial games.
Uses of polymers :-
Polymers are used in almost every area of modern living. Grocery bags, soda and water bottles, textile fibers, phones, computers, food packaging, auto parts, and toys all contain polymers.
Even more-sophisticated technology uses polymers. For example, "the membranes for water desalination, carriers used in controlled drug release and biopolymers for tissue engineering all use polymers," according to the ACS.
Popular polymers for manufacturing include polyethylene and polypropylene. Their molecules can consist of 10,000 to 200,000 monomers.