Polymers

• Polymerization is the process of joining small molecules called monomers to form polymers.
• A monomer is a relatively small molecule that can form covalent bonds with other molecules of this type to form a polymer.
• Polymers are relatively large molecules consisting of a chain or network of many identical or similar monomers chemically bonded to each other.
• Natural Polymers are from living things such as cotton, silk, and rubber.
• Synthetic Polymers are man-made and include glue, PVC, and Teflon.
• Linear Polymers are polymers consisting of a single continuous chain of repeat units.
• Branched-Chain Polymers are polymers that include side chains of repeat units connecting onto the main chain of repeat units.
• Cross-Linked Polymers are polymers that include interconnection between chains.
• Network Polymers are cross-linked polymers that include numerous interconnection between chains.
• Thermoplastics are a type of polymer that become moldable and malleable past a certain temperature and solidify upon cooling.
• Thermosets are synthetic fibers that become hard and cannot change shape once they have set and are often used in adhesives.
• Elastomer is a term used interchangeably with rubber and is a flexible polymer.
• Fibers are fibers created by improving upon natural plant and animal fibers and make up a large category of polymers.
• Addition Polymer is formed when double bonds are broken in the individual molecules and these rebond to another molecule so that long chains are formed, an example is poly(phenylethene).
• Condensation Polymer is formed when molecules are joined together with the elimination of some other compound (usually water), examples are nylon and polyester.
• Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) are among the most common types of synthetic organic polymers, which are often found in households and is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene.
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum.
• Polypropylene (PP) also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in packaging and labeling materials, textiles, stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the third-most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene, and is used in construction because it is cheaper and stronger than more traditional alternatives such as copper or ductile iron.
• Polystyrene (PS) is an aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical, and is used in disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, and smoke detector housings.
• Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides, and the amide backbone present in nylon causes it to be more hydrophilic, which is why nylon clothing absorbs water.
• Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, is hydrophobic: neither water nor water-containing substances can interact with PTFE, and is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware because it has very low friction with other compounds and is very non-reactive so it is often used in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals.