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Polymers

The word polymer comes from two Greek words: “poly” meaning many, and “meros” meaning parts. A polymer is the generic name used to describe a molecule that is like a chain, comprised of many smaller and repeating molecular units fused together, usually with a carbon backbone (organic) but sometimes with a silicone backbone (synthetic). The smaller units are called monomers, and usually have a low molecular weight.

Polymers are formed by the repetitive usage of monomers, but that is not to say that the monomers are all identical. In some polymers, several different monomers are combined. It is these varying combinations that produce end products with different degrees of flexibility and strength.

Polymers can be found in nature, such as protein, latex, cellulose and starch. They can also be synthetic, as seen when they are mass-produced, commonly referred to as plastic, and designed according to a huge selection of forms and functions. All plastics are polymers, but, contrary to popular understanding, not all polymers are plastic. Commercial polymers are formed by using heat, pressure and other ingredients to cause chemical reactions that will produce the desired properties. This process is called polymerization.

Web Resources On Polymers

Materials Science & Technology
Wikipedia: Polymers

Book Resources On Polymers

Polymer Science and Technology by Joel Fried
Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction by Malcolm P. Stevens

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