What is a polymer?
Many small monomers combine to form a polymer. Another name for the polymer is Macro molecules or Giant molecules.
An example of a polymer is a gaseous butadiene compound with a molecular weight of 54. If combined 4000 times, a polymer is called polybutadiene (synthetic rubber).
The molecular weight of polybutadiene is 200000
Butadiene + Butadiene + Butadiene +———+ Butadiene → Polybutadiene
What is a monomer?
A small individual or single molecule is known as Monomer.
Examples of monomer Ethylene, Butadiene
What is the difference between polymer and macromolecules?
Polymers are made up of a combination of many monomers or repeating the same unit, and polymers have high molecular weights such as 50,000 and 10000. On the other hand, many molecules are giant or macromolecules; they also have high molecular weight but are not polymers.
Examples such as Carbohydrates
So, all polymers are macromolecules, but not all macromolecules are polymers.
CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMER
Polymers have different chemicals, physical properties, mechanical behaviours, and thermal characteristics; polymers are classified into four-way as below;
- NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
- ORGANIC AND INORGANIC POLYMERS
- THERMOPLASTIC AND THERMOSETTING POLYMERS
- PLASTIC, ELASTOMERS, FIBERS, AND LIQUID RESINS
Natural and Synthetic polymers
According to the origin, polymers are divided into natural and synthetic.
Isolated from natural materials are known as Natural polymers. Examples such as silk, wool, cotton, rubber, cellulose rayon
Those polymers synthesized from the low molecular weight compound are called synthetic polymers. Examples such as PVC, polyethylene, nylon
Organic and Inorganic polymers
Those polymer’s backbone chains are made of carbon atoms called organic polymers.
Examples: Most synthetic polymer is organic; their backbone is carbon atoms.
That polymer backbone chain free from carbon atoms is called Inorganic polymers.
Examples: Glass and Silicone rubber
Thermoplastic and Thermosetting
Such polymers are softened on heating and retain their original shape on cooling is called Thermoplastic.
Examples: Polyethylene, PVC, nylon
Such polymers are softened or chemical changes on heating but not retained on cooling is called Thermosetting.
Examples: Yolk of the egg
Plastic, Elastomers, Fibers, and Resins
The application of heat and pressure polymer shaped into a rugged utility is called plastic.
Examples: PVC, Polystyrene
Elastomers are those polymers that are vulcanized into rubbery products with good strength and elongation.
Examples: silicon rubber, Natural rubber, synthetic rubber
Polymers are converted into ‘fibres’ that long filament-like materials have lengths at least 100 times their diameter.
Examples: Nylon and Terylene
The liquid form of the polymer is used as adhesives, and potting compounds are known as resins.
Examples: Epoxy adhesives and Polysulphide sealants
