10 Examples of Polymers - encyclopedia

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Types of polymers
Examples of polymers

The polymers They are large molecules (macromolecules) that are constituted by the union of two or more smaller molecules, which are called monomers. Monomers are linked to each other through covalent bonds.

Polymers are very important compounds, since some fulfill vital functions in living beings, for example: proteins, DNA. Many of them are present in nature and in practically everything that surrounds us, for example: plastic in a toy; rubber in car tires; wool in a sweater.

According to their origin, polymers can be classified into: natural, such as starch or cellulose; semisynthetics, such as nitrocellulose; and artificial, such as nylon or polycarbonate. In addition, these same polymers can be classified according to the polymerization mechanism (the process that monomers go through to form a chain and constitute a polymer), according to their chemical composition and according to their thermal behavior.

Types of polymers

According to its origin:

Natural polymers. They are those polymers that are found in nature. For example: DNA, starch, silk, proteins.
Artificial polymers. They are those polymers created by man through the industrial manipulation of monomers. For example: plastic, fibers, rubber.
Semi-synthetic polymers. They are those polymers that are obtained by transforming natural polymers through chemical processes. For example: etonite, nictrocellulose.

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According to the polymerization process:

Addition. A type of polymerization that occurs when the molecular mass of the polymer is an exact multiple of the mass of the monomer. For example: vinyl chloride.

Condensation. Type of polymerization that occurs when the molecular mass of the polymer is not an exact multiple of the mass of the monomer, this happens because in the union of the monomers there is loss of water or some molecule. For example: silicone.

According to its composition:

Organic polymers. Type of polymers that have carbon atoms in their main chain. For example: thewool, cotton.
Vinyl organic polymers. A type of polymer whose main chain is made up exclusively of carbon atoms. For example: polyethylene.
Non-vinyl organic polymers. Type of polymers that have carbon and oxygen and / or nitrogen atoms in their main chain. For example: polyesters.
Inorganic polymers. Type of polymers that do not have carbon atoms in their main chain. For example: silicones.

According to its thermal behavior:

Thermostable. Type of polymers that, when their temperature rises, decompose chemically. For example: ebonite.
Thermoplastics. Type of polymers that can soften or melt when heated and then regain their properties when cooled. For example: nylon.
Elastomers. Type of polymers that can be easily manipulated and molded without losing their properties or structure. For example: rubber, silicone.