Polymers
Science: KS3, topic 2.5.21
Polymers
You use and rely on polymers every day, often without realising.
Polymers
- The word polymer is from the Greek word 'polumeros', which translates as 'many parts'.
- Polymers can be extremely large molecules.
Polymer monomers
- Polymers are made up of lots of other parts which are called monomers.
- The monomers join together to form polymers.
Types of polymer
- There are two types of polymer:
- Natural polymers.
- Synthetic polymers.
Natural polymers
- Natural polymers are made from animals and plants.
- Examples include:
- Cellulose.
- DNA.
More natural polymers
- Examples include:
- Proteins.
- Cotton.
- Wool.
Further natural polymers
- Examples include:
- Rubber.
- Silk.
Synthetic polymers
- Synthetic polymers are manmade.
- Most synthetic polymers are made from oil in different chemical reactions.
Synthetic polymer examples
- Examples include:
- Plastics.
- Nylon.
- Lycra.
Properties of synthetic polymers
- Different chemical reactions produce different synthetic polymers with different properties.
- Plastics can be designed with different properties in mind.
- So all types of plastic are different.
Test yourself on Polymers
Which of these is NOT a natural polymer?
A company makes two plastic bottles using two different chemical reactions. Why might the two bottles end up with different properties?
A company wants to make gloves that stretch to fit tightly around the hand. Which of these polymers is most suitable, based on its known property?