Degree of Polymerization
The degree of Polymerization represents the number of monomeric units in a Polymer. It is defined as the ratio of the molar mass of polymer to the molar mass of the monomeric unit and is given as,
DP or p = M / n
where,
- M is the molar mass of the polymer, and
- n is the molar mass of the monomeric unit.
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