POLYMERS

Polymers
Polymers (or macromolecules) are very large molecules made up
of smaller units, called monomers or repeating units, covalently
bonded together. This specific molecular structure (chain like
structure) of polymeric materials is responsible for their intriguing
mechanical properties.

Here A is a monomer ( repeating ) unit.

And – represents a covalent bond.
You may think of polymers as being a relatively
modern invention
– however naturally occurring polymers have been used
for thousands of years
– wood, rubber, cotton, wool, leather, silk,.. etc
Artificial polymers are, indeed, relatively recent
and mostly date from after WWII
– in many cases, the artificial material is both better and
cheaper than the natural alternative
 Introduction to Polymers
Styrofoam cups COMMERCIAL Polymers: used in
contact lenses large quantities for their lightweight,
rubber tires corrosion-resistance, and good
telephone housings formability.
epoxies - usually low strength and stiffness
sandwich bags
soda bottles
rubber bands
computer keyboard ENGINEERING Polymers:
keys improved strength and better
cables … etc elevated temperature properties.

In fact, just look around your, house, dorm or apartment room and you’ll, likely find
plenty of examples of polymeric materials.
 Definitions
Polymer: long molecule made up by the
repetition of small units
Synonym: macromolecule
High molecular weight (M)
Ex. polystyrene (PS)