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What is a polymer ?

Poly- means "many" and -mer means "part" or "segment". Mono means "one". So, a polymer made from thousand of monomers. Polymers are made up from many molecules all strung together to form really long chains. What makes polymers so fun is that how they act depends on what kinds of molecules they're made up of and how they're put together. The properties of anything made out of polymers really reflect what's going on at the ultra-tiny (molecular) level. So, things that are made of polymers look, feel, and act depending on how their atoms and molecules are connected, as well as which ones we use to begin with! Some are rubbery, like a bouncy ball, some are sticky and gooey, and some are hard and tough, like a skateboard.

What makes polymers different ?


The long chains polymers : Can bend and twist and get all tangled up Can stick to each other Move much slower because they are so big

Kinds of polymers :
1) Natural Polymer Just go outside. Polymers are all over the place. The examples are : a) Starch. This natural polymer is in a lot of different foods. b) Rubber. A natural polymer from trees in South America. c) Cellulose. This is the natural polymer that makes up plants and trees. d) Chitin. Bugs and Crustaceans have exoskeletons made from this natural polymer. e) Protein. Animals are made from protein (their skin hair and tissues).

2) Thermoplastics The word plastic means pliable. Plastics are materials that can be shaped and molded easily. Plastics become easier to mold and shape when they are hot, and they get enough, we call is thermoplastics. The examples are : a) PVC. Stands for polyvinylchloride and it is popular for plumbing. b) PMMA. Polymethyl methacrylate, this is strong plastic used to make some windows and paints. c) Polystyrene. This stuff is everywhere, as one of the most common plastics, or as foam. d) Polycarbonate. Glasses and CDs are made from this very light, transparent stuff. e) Polyurethane. Polyurethane can be foamy and rubbery. f) Aramids. A type of nylons used for bullet-proof vests (Kevlar) and fire-resistant material (Nomex). g) Nylon. This is basically synthetic silk. 3) Elastomers Elastomers is a big fancy word and all it means is rubber. The examples are : a) PTFE. Polytetrafluoroethylene, usually we call this stuff as Teflon. It helps things from sticking. b) SBS Rubber. This type is in tires and tennis shoes. c) Polyethylene. A favorite for making plastic containers. d) Polyester. e) ABS. f) Silicone. This synthetic rubber is great for making seals.

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