Science Experiments | Polymers - Introduction

Introduction

Polymers are everywhere, both inside us and around us. The word comes from the Greek words poly, meaning "many," and meros, meaning "parts." A polymerChemical compound formed of simple molecules (known as monomers) linked with themselves many times over. is a material composed of long string of repeating molecular units. They can contain a chain of hundreds to thousands of these units, in the shape of a single straight chain or multiple branching chains. The type and number of the repeating units, along with how the polymer connects to other polymers, determine the physical properties of that polymer.

Polymers are valuable in both nature and industry because they can have great strength and durability, yet be lightweight. There are both natural and syntheticSomething that is made artificially, in a laboratory or chemical plant, but is generally not found in nature., or manmade, polymers. Proteins, silk, and starches are polymers found in nature. Understanding how polymers function in the natural world has led not only to advancements in biology, but also to the development of synthetic polymers that have revolutionized numerous products and fields. Space science depends on synthetic polymers for their space vehicles and equipment. In medicine polymers are used in heart valves, artificial skin, and organ replacements. Plastic bags, nylon, rugs, and fabrics are examples of synthetic polymers that people commonly use.