Polymeric Materials

Subject: English – Material Technology

Professor:
Jesica Jimenes
Roberto Sosa

Members:
Rodrigo Tirantino
Joaquín Aranda
Matias Boggia
What is a polymer?
Polymers are macromolecules composed of one or more chemical units, known
as monomers, that are repeated along the entire chain. For example, a pearl
necklace: each of the pearls would be a monomer while the entire necklace is
what is known as polymer.

Properties of polymers:
Polymers are poor electrical conductors, so they are often used as insulators in
the electrical industry, for example, plastic as a cable wrapper.
on the other hand, temperature is an important factor in the behaviour of
polymers. At low temperatures they become hard, brittle, similar to glass, while
at normal temperatures they tend to elasticity. If the temperature rises towards
their melting point, some begin to lose their shape and others may break down.

From what materials are they obtained?

To better explain how they are obtained, we can divide them into 3 groups:

• Natural Polymers: Coming from the animal or plant kingdom.

• Artificial polymers: They are obtained based on natural polymers, but are
modified by chemical processes.

• Synthetic Polymers: They are obtained from low molecular weight raw
materials through man-controlled polymerization processes.
Classification of polymers according to their temperature:
 Thermoplastics: They soften when heated and harden when cooled. In
general, they are soft and ductile.

 Thermosets: They straighten on heating and do not soften on further

heating. They are generally harder, stronger, and more brittle than
thermoplastics.

 Elastomers: Their main characteristic is that they can withstand

deformations in a reversible way.

 Natural polymers: These are all those that we find directly in nature, whether
in the animal or plant kingdom. For example: wool, cotton, proteins, natural
rubber, DNA, etc.

Mechanical Properties of Polymers:

There are 3 properties that are very important:
 Resistance: they are resistant to compression and stretching.
 Hardness: they resist breaking
 Elongation: ability to stretch without breaking

Types of Polymer Applications:

 Papper
 Toys
 Bottles
 Tires
 Diving Suits
 Dresses
 Suits