2. Introduction to Polymers
Classification of polymers.
IUPAC nomenclature of polymers
Homo-polymers, Co-polymers, ter-polymers and graft polymers
Polymers average molecular masses
Polymer conformation
Thermal behavior of polymers
Different polymerization techniques
4. Introduction to Polymers
Polymers are large organic molecules comprised of repeating units
called monomers that are covalently bonded together.
Polymers can be naturally occurring (e.g. polysaccharides and
proteins) or synthesized in a laboratory (synthetic).
Polymerization is the joining together of monomers to make polymers.
Polymers prepared by the polymerization of a single monomer are
called homopolymers.
Numerous consumer products are made from synthetic polymers.
6. What is Polymer?
A polymer is a macromolecule consisting of repeating units that represents the
monomers.
Monomers are the building blocks of polymers.
A polymer forms when monomers link with each other via covalent chemical bonds.
There are several classifications of polymer materials according to the structure,
properties, occurrence, etc.
For example, we can classify polymers as natural and synthetic polymers.
Likewise, we can classify them according to properties as thermoplastic,
thermosetting polymers and elastomers.
Biopolymers are another important category. This category includes carbohydrates,
proteins, nucleic acids and other polymer materials that form and exists in biological
systems or living organisms.
8. Polymerization is the process that we use to produce a polymer
from monomers.
Therefore, we can classify these materials according to the method
of polymerization as well.
For instance, addition polymers form from addition polymerization
whereas condensation polymers form from condensation
polymerization.
These materials have some unique properties such as toughness,
viscoelasticity, tendency to form glasses, etc.
Some common examples include polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, rubber, nylon, etc.
9. What is Monomer?
Monomers are building blocks of polymers.
They can occur as simple or complex molecules with double bonds
or functional groups such as –OH, -NH2, –COOH, etc.
The presence of unsaturated double bonds or functional groups is a
requirement in the polymerization process when several monomers
are linking to form a polymer.
12. What is a Macromolecule?
Macromolecule is a giant molecule that consists of thousands of atoms.
It has a molecular weight ranging from several thousands to several millions and
the size from several tens of nanometers (nm) to few centimeters (cm).
For example, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are some of the
macromolecules.
Some macromolecules are multiples of a repeating unit (monomer), and they are
the polymers.
Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids contain monomers.
However, we cannot sub-divide some macromolecules into individual entities;
some of those molecules have macro cycles.
For example, fat is a macromolecule synthesized by condensation of four
molecules (glycerol and 3-fatty acids), but it is not a polymer.