A polymer is a large molecule which is held together by a number of repeating structural units obtained through the process of polymerization.

In recent years, polymers have gained an increased presence in the chemical industry with their highly defined properties and uses. Polymers are widely used in petrochemical industries, oil & gas companies, steel & aluminum industries, plastic industries, and so on. Types of Polymers & Its Uses: 1) Polycarbonate: It is a clear plastic used to make shatterproof windows, lightweight eyeglass lenses, and many other items that have lightweight applications. There are two types of polycarbonates, thermoplastic and thermoset. A thermoplastic can be molded in any shape when it is hot whereas a thermoset does not melt, and it cannot be remolded nor recycled. They are used to make things that need to be really strong and heat resistant. 2) Polyethylene: This is probably the polymer that you see and use the most in your day to day routine. Polyethylene is the most popular and widely used plastic in the world. It is used to make items like grocery bags, shampoo bottles, children's toys, plastic food containers and even bullet proof vests. 3) Polyesters: Polyesters are the polymers, in the form of fibers which are now also made into a fabric. It is used to make normal clothing since polyester is economical. Apart from clothes it is also a plastic, and is often used to make shatterproof bottles that hold your favorite refreshing beverages and drinks. 4) Polystyrene: Polystyrene is an inexpensive and hard plastic commonly used in everyday life. The outside housing of the computer you are using is probably made of polystyrene, as well as the housings of electrical equipment like hairdryers, TVs and kitchen appliances. Model cars and airplanes are made from polystyrene, as well as many other toys. There is also foam packaging and insulation and a lot of molded parts on the inside of your car, like the radio knobs.

List of some addition polymers and their uses Polymer Abbreviation Properties Uses Squeeze bottles, toys, Chemically inert, flexible pipes, insulation Low Density Polyethylene LDPE flexible, insulator cover (electric wires), six pack rings, etc. Inert, thermally stable, Bottles, pipes, inner High Density Polyethylene HDPE tough and high tensile insulation of coax cable, strength plastic bags, etc. Auto parts, industrial fibers, Resistant to acids and food containers, liner in Polypropylene PP alkalies, High tensile bags, dishware and as a strength wrapping material for textiles and food Polystyrene (thermocole) PS Thermal insulator. Petri dishes, CD case, plastic

Polytetrafluoroethylene

PTFE

Properties depends on the form, expanded form is tough and rigid Very low coefficient of friction, excellent dielectric properties, chemically inert Insulator

cutlery

Low friction bearings, nonstick pans, coating against chemical attack etc. Pipe, fencing, lawn chairs, hand-bags, curtain clothes, non-food bottles, raincoats, toys, vinyl flooring etc.

Polyvinylchloride

PVC

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE

Stable to heat and thermal attacks, high valves, seals, gaskets etc. tensile strength and non wetting

Brand names
These polymers are often better known through their brand names, for instance: Brand Name Polymer Characteristic properties Uses

Phenol-formaldehyde Bakelite resin Kevlar Para-aramid fibre

Twaron

Para-aramid

Mylar

Polyethylene terephthalate film

Neoprene Polychloroprene

Nylon

Polyamide

Insulation of wires, manufacturing High electric, heat and sockets, electrical devices, chemical resistance breakpads, etc. Manufacturing armour, sports and High tensile strength musical equipments. Used in the field of cryogenics Bullet-proof body armor, helmets, Heat resistant and brake pads, ropes, cables and strong fibre optical fibre cables, etc. and as an asbestos substitute High strength and stiffness, less Food packaging, transparent permeable to gases, covering over paper, reflector for almost reflects light rollsigns and solar cooking stoves completely Manufacturing gaskets, corrosion resistant coatings, waterproof seat Chemically inert covers, substitute for corks and latex Silky, thermoplastic Stockings, fabrics, toothbrushes. and resistant to Molded nylon is used in making

Nomex

Orlon

biological and chemical agents Excellent thermal, chemical, and radiation Meta-aramid polymer resistance, rigid, durable and fireproof. Wool-like, resistant to Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) chemicals, oils, moths and sunlight

machine screws, gears etc.

Rilsan

Polyamide 11 & 12

Technora Copolyamid

Teflon

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Ultem

Polyimide

Vectran

aromatic polyester

Viton

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) poly-p-phenylene-2,6benzobisoxazole (PBO)

Zylon

Hood of firefighter's mask, electrical lamination of circuit boards and transformer cores and in Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment Used for making clothes and fabrics like sweaters, hats, yarns, rugs, etc., and as a precursor of carbon fibres Used in high-performance applications such as sports shoes, electronic device components, Bioplastic automotive fuel lines, pneumatic airbrake tubing, oil and gas flexible pipes and control fluid umbilicals, and catheters. High tensile strength, Used for manufacturing optical resistance to corrosion, fiber cables, umbilical cables, heat, chemicals and drumheads, automotive industry, saltwater ropes, wire ropes and cables Very low coefficient of Plain bearings, gears, non-stick friction, excellent pans, etc. due to its low friction. dielectric properties, Used as a tubing for highly high melting, corrosive chemicals. chemically inert Heat,flame and solvent Used in medical and chemical resistant. Has high instrumentation, also in guitar picks dielectric strength Used as reinforcing fibres for ropes, High thermal and cables, sailcloth. Also used in chemical stability. manufacturing badminton strings, Golden color. Has high bike tires and in electronics strength, low creep, applications. Is the key component and is moisture of a line of inflatable spacecraft resistant developed by Bigelow Aerospace Depends on the grade of the polymer. Viton B is used in Elastomer chemical process plants and gaskets. Very high tensile Used in tennis racquets, table tennis strength and thermal blades, body armor, etc. stability