POLYMERS Weight-Average Molecular Weight - the sum of the

weight fraction of each molecular weight species

A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very
multiplied by its respective molecular weight, divided by
large molecules called macromolecules, composed of
the total weight of the sample.
many repeating subunits.
Molecular Structure
Examples of Natural Polymers
describes the connectivity and arrangement of atoms
 DNA - a complex polymer made up of four
within the entire polymer chain
different nucleotides.
Chain Architecture
-nucleotides are linked together in a long chain that
encodes the instructions for building and maintaining an  Linear Polymers
organism  Branched Polymers
 Crosslinked Polymers
 Proteins - the workhorses of cells, responsible
 Network Polymers
for a wide range of functions such as catalysis,
transport, and communication. Thermoplastics soften when heated (and eventually
liquefy) and harden when cooled— processes that are
- made up of amino acids linked together
totally reversible and may be repeated.
 Cellulose - a tough, fibrous polymer made up of
Types of Thermoplastics
glucose units.
 Rubber - A natural elastomer found in latex,  Polyamide (nylon)
rubber is made up of polyisoprene, a polymer of  Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
isoprene units.  Polypropylene
 Silk - A protein fiber produced by silkworms, silk  Polystyrene (PS)
is known for its strength, beauty, and luster.  High-density Polythene (HDPE)
 Nylon - used in a wide variety of products,  Low-density Polythene (LDPE)
including clothing, carpets, and fishing line.  Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon)
 Polyester - used in clothing, bedding, and
Thermosetting polymers are network polymers. They
bottles. It is known for its wrinkle resistance and
become permanently hard during their formation and
durability.
do not soften upon heating.
 Teflon - A non-stick coating made up of
polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon is used on Thermosetting resins are processed in their liquid form
cookware, nonstick pans, and other surfaces. under heat.
 Polyvinyl Chloride - also known as PVC. A
Types of Thermosetting
versatile plastic used in pipes, building
materials, and clothing, PVC is made up of vinyl  Epoxy Resin
chloride units.  Polyester Resin
 Urea Formaldehyde
MONOMERS - Small, single molecules serving as the
 Melamine Formaldehyde
building blocks of polymers.
 Phenol formaldehyde resin (PF)
POLYMERIZATION, a fundamental chemical process,  Polyurethane
transforms individual molecules known as monomers
Applications of Polymer
into extended chain-like structures called polymers.
Packaging
Two main types of polymerizations:
Construction
• Addition: Monomers directly connect Transportation
without releasing byproducts (e.g., Consumer Goods
polyethylene). Medical Devices

• Condensation: Monomers link, A copolymer is a polymer that is made up of two or

releasing small molecules like water more monomer species.
(e.g., nylon).
• Random Copolymer
Polymer molecules are giant, chain-like structures
• Alternating Copolymer
formed when individual molecules called monomers link
hands through a chemical dance called polymerization. • Block Copolymer
Number-Average Molecular Weight - the sum of the • Graft Copolymer
molecular weight of each individual molecule in the
sample, divided by the total number of molecules.
IMPACTS OF POLYMERS

Positive Impacts
1. Improved Healthcare
2. Enhanced Technology
3. Lightweight and Durable Materials
4. Comfort and Convenience
5. Improved Food Safety and Storage
6. Advanced Materials for Various
Industries
Negative Impacts
1. Plastic Pollution
2. Resource Depletion and Fossil Fuel
Dependence
3. Microplastics and Health Concerns
4. Chemical Hazards and Potential Health
Risks

A composite material is a combination of two materials

with different physical and chemical properties.

TYPES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

 A fiberglass is a form of fiber-reinforced plastic

where glass fiber is the reinforced plastic.
 Carbon Fiber is a polymer and is sometimes
known as graphite fiber. It is a very strong
material that is also very lightweight
TWO TYPES OF CARBON FIBER
i. Satin Weave
ii. Twill Weave
 Concrete is not officially a ceramic but is
rather a composite made up of sand, aggregate,
and cement.
 Wood plastic composite is panel or lumber
product made from recycled plastic and small
wood particles or fibers.
 Natural fiber composites combine plant-derived
fibers with a polymeric matrix.
 Mudbricks were composed of a mixture that
might have included clay, mud, loam, sand, and
water mixed with a material to inhibit crumbling
such as straw or rice husks.

PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPOSITE

MATERIALS

● Chemical resistance

● Abrasion resistance

● Low thermal conductivity

● Design flexibility

● Chemical resistance

● Abrasion resistance

● Low thermal conductivity

● Design flexibility