Characteristics of Polymers
Depending on the use polymers can be made according to the desired properties and characteristics. Such as:
- Elasticity – Both natural and synthetic polymers exhibit elastic properties which make them useful for Car Tyres, etc.
- Impact Resistant – Polymers can withstand rough handling and harsh usage therefore, would be able to use for luggage, protective cases, etc.
- Tensile Strength – Polymers have high tensile Strength and so are used in making wires, etc.
- Brittle – Polymers are highly brittle, therefore can be deformed easily using heat.
- Reflectivity and Translucence – Some Polymers can be see-through and reflective in nature, which can be best used as reflective film, etc.
What is a Polymer?
A Polymer is a very big molecule or complexly structured material made up of macromolecules, which are small, simple compounds that repeat themselves to make polymers. Both Synthetic Polymers as well as Natural Polymers play significant and relevant roles in daily life. As natural polymers, i.e., DNA and RNA, is the reason for life on earth, without DNA we can’t imagine life on earth.
From well-known synthetic plastics like polystyrene to natural biopolymers like DNA and proteins that are essential to biological structure and function, polymers come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some examples of polymers in the figure given below.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Polymers
- Classification of Polymers
- Structure
- Characteristics
- Polymerization Reactions
- Molecular mass of Polymers
- Uses of Polymers
- FAQs on Polymers