Understanding and Polymer Structure
Polymers - Definition, Structure, Properties, Classification, Formation, Uses, Benefits, Example: Polymers are repeating chains of long atoms, formed from binders in the form of identical molecules called monomers. Although most are organic compounds (having carbon chains), there are also many inorganic polymers.
Definition of Polymers
Polymer is a macromolecule or also called a giant molecule composed of several monomers (simple small molecules). Polymers are large molecules (macromolecules) consisting of small, simple, and recurring chemical structures composed of covalent bonds. This repeating unit is usually equivalent or almost equivalent to a monomer, the starting material of a polymer.
Currently, polymers are widely used in meeting daily needs. Polymers are usually produced in many developing countries and are cheap. Examples of uses of polymers are to make bottles, drums, pipes, home furniture and so on. Therefore, in this paper we will discuss about polymers and their applications so that we understand more about polymers and their development in meeting daily needs.
Understanding Monomers
A monomer is any substance that can be converted into a polymer. For example, ethylene is a monomer that can be polymerized into polyethylene (see reaction below). Amino acids include monomers too, which can be polymerized to polypeptides by the release of water.
monomer example
Polymer Examples
carbohydrate,
protein,
fat, natural rubber,
and a number of plastics such as polyethylene (PE),
PP polypropylene plastic,
PET polyethylene terephthalate plastic,
PVC polyvinyl chloride plastic,
PS polystyrene plastic,
Teflon, and Nylon.
Polymer Structure
Based on the structure of the polymer is divided into:
Linear polymer
Linear polymers consist of long chains of skeletal atoms that can bind to substituent groups. These polymers can usually dissolve in several solvents, and are solid at normal temperatures. This polymer exists as an elastomer, a flexible (flexible) or thermoplastic material such as glass).
Linear polymer
Examples: Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Lucite, Plexiglas, or perspex), polyacrylonitrile (orlon or creslan) and nylon 66.
Branched polymer
The branched polymer can be visualized as a linear polymer with a branching on the same basic structure as the main chain.
Three-dimensional network polymer
Three-dimensional tissue polymers are polymers with chemical bonds present between chains. This material is usually swelled (inflated) by the solvent but not until it dissolves. This irregularity can be used as a criterion of network structure. The greater the percentage of cross-links (cross-links) the smaller the amount of swelling. If the degree of crosslinking is high enough, the polymer can become rigid, high melting point, solid that cannot be inflated, for example diamond (diamond).