1. Polymers zPolymers: What are they? zDifferent Types zUses and Applications zChemical Make-up

2. Polymers - What are they? zPolymers are a special kind of macromolecule zThe word polymer comes from the Greek words “poly,” meaning “many”, and “meres,” meaning “parts” or “repeating units” zA Polymer consists of a large chain of repeating molecules (monomers) that are attached in an end to end fashion

3. Description of Polymers zImagine a string of beads yEach bead is identical (for example, red sphere) Represents the “mer” yThe string can contain 100’s of beads Represents the “poly” characteristic yThe string in between the beads represents the chemical bond between monomers

4. Length of Polymers zPolymer chains are HUGE! zPolymers typically consist of between 20,000 and 40,000 individual monomers yIf each bead on the string of beads were one inch apart, one polymer molecule could be as long as 10 football fields!!! zThis chain length is what gives the polymer most of its desirable characteristics

5. Description of Polymers zPolymer chains are flexible, and usually “clump” together into a smaller shape zThis enables the individual chains to interact and become entangled zThis helps to give a polymer its strength and flexibility

6. Types of Polymers zThere are two main types of polymers yNatural (cotton, silk, wood, leather…) ySynthetic (plastics, nylon, latex…)

7. Synthetic Polymers zThere are two basic types of synthetic polymers yThermoplastics (plastics, Styrofoam) These can be softened by heating and hardened by cooling - easily recycled Can easily be cast into various shapes yThermosets (epoxy’s, adhesives) These harden after being heated Can easily be cast into different shapes Cannot be reformed

8. Types of Polymers - Copolymers zMost polymer chains are made up of one type of monomer (for example, red beads) zHowever, some polymers are made up of different types of monomers (for example, blue and red beads) - these are called copolymers

9. Copolymers zThere are four main types of copolymers zThe different monomers can be arranged either in an alternating or random fashion yAlternating...-red-blue-red-blue-red-blue-red-blue-red-… yRandom …-blue-red-red-blue-red-blue-blue-red-blue-…

10. Copolymers zThere are also block copolymers and graft co-polymers yBlock …-R-R-R-R-R-R-B-B-B-B-B-B-R-R-R-R-R-R-… yGraft …-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-… | B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-…

11. Polymers - Pros and Cons zA polymer has many very advantageous properties. Polymers are: yLightweight yStrong and durable yCheap yEasy to manufacture zUnfortunately, polymers do not easily biodegrade and end up producing large amounts of waste

12. Uses of Polymers zPolymers are incorporated into nearly every aspect of daily life yEntertainment ySports yClothes yHobbies/Toys yHousehold products yAutomotive

13. Polymer Chemistry zA polymer chain is built on a Carbon backbone zA monomer unit consists of a small carbon chain attached to a specific type of functional group zThe functional group is what gives each polymer chain its individual characteristics

14. Polymer Chemistry zAs previously stated, polymer chains interact with one another, becoming entangled zPolymer chains also form cross-links with adjacent chains, which allows the polymer to hold its shape and gives added strength

15. Summary zPolymers are made up of large chains of repeating units, called monomers zIndividual chains interact to form a stronger overall substance through entanglements and cross-links zPolymers are incorporated into almost every aspect of daily life zPolymers are lightweight, strong, and inexpensive