DEFINITION OF POLYMERS

POLYMERS - The word polymer comes from the Greek prefix poly-, which
means "many," and the suffix -mer, which means "parts."
- Polymers are materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules.
- A polymer is a large molecule made up of chains or rings of linked repeating
subunits, which are called monomers.
- The materials have unique properties, depending on the type of molecules
being bonded and how they are bonded.
- Some polymers bend and stretch, like rubber and polyester. Others are
hard and tough, like epoxies and glass.

During a POLYMERIZATION
reaction, a large number of
monomers become connected by
covalent bonds to form a single long
molecule, a polymer.

Polymers in our everyday living:

- Grocery bags - Computers
- Soda - Food packaging
- Water bottles - Auto parts
- Phones - Toys
2 CATEGORIES OF POLYMERS:
A. NATURAL POLYMERS (Biopolymers)
B. SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
Natural Polymers
- Polymers abound in nature. The ultimate natural polymers are the
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA) that define life.

PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS
A. CHEMICAL RESISTANT
- Polymers can be very resistant to chemicals.
o EX: Cleaning fluids in your home that are packaged in
plastic. The warning labels describe what happens when
the chemical comes in contact with skin or eyes or is
ingested and will emphasize the need for chemical
resistance in the plastic packaging. While solvents easily
dissolve some plastics, other plastics provide safe, non-
breakable packages for
aggressive solvents.
B. THERMAL INSULATOR
- Polymers can be a thermal insulators.
o Thermal resistance is evident in the kitchen with pot and pan handles
made of polymers
o The coffee pot handles, the foam core of
refrigerators and freezers, insulated cups,
coolers, and microwave cookware. The
thermal underwear that many skiers wear is
made of polypropylene and the fiberfill in
winter jackets is acrylic and polyester.

C. ELECTRIC INSULATOR
- Polymers can also be electric insulators.
o All the appliances, cords, electrical outlets and wiring that are made
or covered with polymeric
materials.