polymers are largeorganicmoleculesmadeup of manysmallmolecules called monomers which are joinedtogether by covalentbonds
polymers can be natural or synthetic
naturalpolymers include starch, proteins and nucleic acids
syntheticpolymers include poly(ethene), nylon and Terylene
polymerisation is the process that occurs when manymonomersjointogether to form a polymer (addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation)
Repeat units
repeat units are similar units found within the structure of a polymer
Macromolecules
type of Covalent substance
polymers are macromolecules that are made up of many covalent molecules joined together in long chains
polymers do not have fixed melting and boiling point since they have macromolecular structures and held together by intermolecular forces of attraction (strength depends on size)
do not conduct electricity since ethere are no electrons or ions available to act as mobile charge carriers
insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents
