1. Definition of polymers
Polymers are
macromoleculesformedby
the binding by covalent
bonds of one or more simple
units called monomers.
These form long chains that
are joined together by Van
der Waals forces,hydrogen
bridges or hydrophobic
interactions.
Polymers have high
molecular masses,which can
reach up to millions of UMA.
The polymers, come from the
Greek words Poly and Mers,
which means many parts, are
large molecules or
macromoleculesformedby
the union of many small
molecules
Classification of polymers
• Homopolymer - It is called
the polymer that is formed by
the same monomeralong its
entire chain, polyethylene,
polystyrene or polypropylene
are examples of polymers
belonging to this family.
• Copolymer - It is called the
polymer that is formed by at
least 2 differentmonomers
along its entire chain, ABS or
SBR are examples belonging
to this family.
Characteristics of
polymers
Polymers are often
characterized on the basis of
the products of their
decomposition.
• Natural polymers:directly
from the plant or animal
kingdom.
• Artificial polymers:are the
result of modifications by
chemical processes,of
certain natural polymers.
• Synthetic polymers:are
those obtained by
polymerization processes
controlled by man from low
molecular weight raw
materials.
2. Polymerization
It is a chemical processby
which, through heat, light or a
catalyst, several molecules of
a compound usually of
unsaturated character called
monomerjoin to form a chain
of multiple links, molecules of
high molecular weight and
differentproperties,called
macromoleculesor polymers.
There are two general
polymerization reactions:
addition and condensation.
Monomer definition
It is a molecule of small
molecular mass that is linked
to other monomers,
sometimeshundreds or
thousands, by means of
chemical bonds,generally
covalent, forming
macromoleculescalled
polymers.
Very oftenthe term monomer
refers to organic molecules
that form synthetic polymers,
such as, for example, vinyl
chloride, which is used to
produce PVC.
HOW IS A
POLYMER
ELABORATED?
Team 6
Mtra. Alma Maite Barajas.
