What is a Polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule or what is known as a ‘macromolecule’ (macro being the opposite of ‘micro’) which is made from ‘repeating structural units’. In other words these are sub units which are connected by chemical bonds. Often the term polymers is used to describe plastics, but it refers to far and above just plastics and also encompasses other substances; many synthetic and some natural. These substances have a large number of different uses and have a range of different applications and benefits.
Due to the huge variation of polymeric materials, polymers play a large role in many aspects of every day life – in plastic pipes for instance, water containers and more. Synthetic plastics, elastomers, biopolymers such as proteins and more are all used in a range of every day commercial applications – while protein polymers are actually essential for the existence of life at all.
Examples of natural polymers include shellac, amber and some rubbers and these have been used for centuries meaning that the history of polymers dates back to longer than we have been around, and their use in industrial and commercial uses dates back almost as far.
This linked ‘backbone’ that connects the polymer together can be made from various concoctions but in the case of plastic and many other polymers it is most commonly carbon atoms. For instance in the case of polyethylene there is one repeating ‘monomer’ this being ‘ethylene’,
Polymers are synthesized when they are made for a specific use. This is achieved using a standardized process that is carried out in a laboratory. There are two main ways that polymers are constructed. Firstly they are achieved through ‘step growth polymerization’ and others are achieved through ‘chain-growth polymerization’. The difference between these is that in chain growth, the monomers are added one at a time – like a chain. In step growth the chains combine directly. Other forms such as ‘plasma polymerization’ do not fit either category. Meanwhile the synthesis of biopolymers such as proteins is an area of great interest that is still undergoing research.
Generally the creation of polymers is used to fulfill a range of functions that can be used to create materials for specific purposes. For instance they might be used to create the plastics used for piping and this can allow it to carry specific fluids without causing a reaction or erosion. At the same time this can enable you to create pipes that will be able to be flexible and less likely to break, and that will be able to withstand weather conditions. Of course with piping it is important that you contain the fluid well and do not get a leak, and by using polymers it is possible to create the perfect materials for these jobs. Likewise they can be used to create plastic objects that can be used for a variety of tasks – that might be lighter or that might be more flexible or more durable as the application demands, like bespoke materials.
The creation of polymers is useful for a range of applications and is highly versatile. Follow the links for NATA accredited laboratories.
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