Polymers are large molecules composed of many smaller subunits called monomers. Natural Polymers include proteins, cellulose, and nucleic acids, while synthetic Polymers are made artificially through Polymersization. Common synthetic Polymers include plastics like polyethylene, nylon, PVC, and synthetic rubber. The properties of Polymers like flexibility, strength, durability make them ubiquitous in our daily lives.
Classification of Polymers
Polymers can be classified based on their structure, source, and properties. The main types are:
– Natural vs Synthetic Polymers: As the names suggest, natural Polymers occur naturally while synthetic Polymers are man-made. Common natural Polymers are proteins, starch, cellulose, etc. Plastics like polyethylene and nylon are examples of synthetic Polymers.
– Thermoplastics vs Thermosets: Thermoplastics soften on heating and harden on cooling, allowing them to be remolded or recycled. Examples are polyethylene and nylon. Thermosets harden irreversibly during curing and cannot be remolded upon reheating. Epoxy resins and silicones are thermosetting Polymers.
– Biodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable: Biodegradable Polymers like polylactic acid can be broken down by microorganisms. Non-biodegradable Polymers like polyethylene take hundreds of years to degrade and create plastic waste.
– HomoPolymers vs CoPolymers: HomoPolymers are made of long chains of identical monomers like polyethylene. CoPolymers contain two or more different types of monomers in their structure, giving varied properties like nylon.
Properties and Uses of Major Polymers
The unique properties of different Polymers determine their widespread applications:
– Polyethylene: Strong, lightweight and chemical resistant. Used to make grocery bags, plastic bottles, containers. Low density polyethylene is flexible while high density is hard.
– Polypropylene: Heat resistant and durable. Commonly used to make bottles, carpets, medical equipment, automotive components like battery casings.
– Polystyrene: Rigid, brittle and a good insulator. Found in foam cups, packing peanuts, plastic cutlery and casings for electronics. Expanded polystyrene is a foam used in insulation.
– Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Durable, low cost and corrosion resistant. Principal applications include pipes, window frames, flooring, wires, medical tubes. Heavily used in construction.
– Polyester: Strong and abrasion resistant. Used to make clothing fabrics, fibers, containers. Dacron is a polyester used in shirts, pants and surgical sutures due to its wrinkle resistance.
– Nylon: Known for its strength, resilience and resistance to moisture. Used in bristles of toothbrushes, gears, wires, sportswear like socks, stockings. Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 are most common varieties.
– Polyurethane: Versatile elastomer known for flexibility and impact resistance. Found in cushioning foams, adhesives, coatings, fibers, elastomers and sealants. Commonly used as flexible foams in furniture, automotive and construction applications.
Impact and Future of Polymers
The widespread use of plastics has helped improve efficiency, lower costs and fuel development across industries from healthcare to aerospace. However, non-biodegradability of most Polymers poses an environmental challenge. About 300 million tons of plastics are produced annually worldwide while only 9% gets recycled. The rest accumulates as plastic pollution threatening marine ecosystems.
Research is being conducted on novel biodegradable and compostable Polymers produced from renewable sources like agricultural crops instead of petroleum feedstocks used conventionally. Advances in Polymers science will enable the development of self-healing Polymers to overcome the brittleness issue. Efforts are also ongoing to incorporate recycled Polymers back into new products through advanced recycling technologies. With innovation and sustainability policies, Polymers will continue transforming technologies and industries safely in the future.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn