Polymers
What is a Polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule that forms when
many smaller molecules are linked together by
covalent bonds
Polymers can be either natural or synthetic
Natural Polymers
Natural polymers are produced by organisms
and plants. These include:
Starches
Cellulose
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Starches
Starches contain hundreds of glucose molecules
Plants store starches for food and to build stems
Flour for breads and pastas are made of starches
Cellulose
Cellulose is the most abundant organic
compound found in nature
Cellulose give strength to plants
Animals and humans cannot digest cellulose
Proteins
A protein contains at least 100 amino acids
linked together through strong bonds
Proteins make up muscle fiber and are also
found in hair, fingernails, and blood
The human body typically contains 300,000
different proteins
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are found in plant and animal cells
RNA and DNA are the two types of nucleic acids
Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are synthesized in laboratory
settings. Synthetic polymers include:
Rubber
Nylon
Polyethylene
Rubber
Rubber can be found naturally by using the sap
from a tropical plant, the rubber plant tree
However, after WWII the supply of natural
rubber was diminished, forcing chemists to
produce synthesized rubber
Synthesized rubber is made from hydrocarbons
and petroleum
Rubber is typically used in vehicle tires,
adhesives, and sports equipment
Nylon
Nylon was first synthesized in an attempt to
replace silk
Nylon fibers are very strong and durable
Nylon is typically used in parachutes, fishing
line, and some types of carpets
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is found in all plastic products
How it’s made
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ6LpmKSLc