Polymer - what is it?

amazing how diverse the objects around us and the materials from which they are made.Earlier, about XV-XVI centuries, the main materials are wood and metal, glass later, almost at all times, porcelain and earthenware.But the present century - the time of polymers, which will be discussed further.

concept of polymers

polymer.What it is?You can reply from a different perspective.On the one hand, a modern material used for manufacturing a plurality of technical and household items.

On the other hand, we can say it is a specially synthesized synthetic substance derived with predetermined properties for use in a wide specialization.

Each of these definitions is correct, only the first in terms of the consumer, and the second - in terms of the chemical.Another chemical definition is as follows.Polymers - this macromolecular compounds which are based on short regions of the chain molecules - monomers.They are repeated many times, forming a polymer macrochains.The monomers may be both organic and inorganic compounds.

So the question is: "polymer - what is it?"- Requires a detailed answer and address all the properties and uses of these substances.

Types polymers

There are many classifications of polymers of different characteristics (chemical nature, heat resistance, circuit structure, and so on).The table below gives a brief look at the main types of polymers.

also distinguish linear polymers, cross-linked and branched structure.Basis polymers allows them to be thermoplastic or thermosetting.They also have differences in their ability to deform under normal conditions.

physical properties of polymeric materials

main two aggregate states, typical of polymers is:

• amorphous;
• crystal.

each characterized by its own set of features and has great practical importance.For example, if the polymer exist in the amorphous state, hence it can be vyazkotekuschey liquid and the glassy material and the elastomeric compound (rubbers).It is widely used in chemical industries, construction, engineering, production of industrial goods.

crystalline state of polymers are quite conventional.In fact, this state is interspersed with amorphous areas of the chain, and generally the whole molecule turns out very convenient for making flexible, but at the same time, high and hard fibers.

melting points for the polymers are different.Many amorphous melt at room temperature, and some synthetic crystalline withstand fairly high temperatures (plexiglas, glass fibers, polyurethane, polypropylene).

coloring polymers can in various colors, without limitation.Due to their structure, they are able to absorb paint and acquire the most vivid and unusual colors.

chemical properties of polymers

chemical properties of polymers are different from those of low molecular weight substances.This is due to molecular size, presence of different functional groups in its structure, the total stock of the activation energy.

In general, there are a few basic types of reactions characteristic of polymers:

1. reactions, which will be determined by the functional group.That is, if the polymer is a group OH, typical alcohols, hence, the reaction in which they are to join, will be identical to those of alcohols (dehydration, oxidation, reduction, dehydration, etc.).
2. Interactions with the NMS (low molecular weight compounds).Reactions
3. polymers together to form a cross-linked macromolecular networks (cross-linked polymers, branched).
4. reactions between functional groups within a single macromolecule polymer.
5. The collapse of macromolecules into monomers (chain degradation).

All of these reactions are in practice important for the preparation of polymers with predetermined properties and comfortable man.Polymer Chemistry allows you to create heat-resistant, acid and alkali-proof materials, while possessing sufficient elasticity and stability.

The use of polymers in everyday life

The use of these compounds everywhere.Few can remember the areas of industry, economy, science and technology, which would not need polymer.What is it - a polymeric economy and widespread use, and how it is exhausted?

1. Chemical industry (plastics, tanning agents, the synthesis of important organic compounds).
2. engineering, aviation, oil refineries.
3. Medicine and Pharmacology.
4. Getting dyes and explosives, pesticides and herbicides, insecticides in agriculture.
5. construction industry (steel alloying, design sound and heat insulation, building materials).
6. Making toys, utensils, pipes, windows, household items and housewares.

Polymer Chemistry allows to obtain more and more, it is the universal properties of the materials, the likes of which no among metals or among wood or glass.

Examples of products from polymeric materials

Before you call polymer concrete products (it is impossible to list all their diversity is too large), you first need to understand what gives the polymer.The material which is obtained from the IUD, will be the basis for future products.

basic materials made of polymers are:

• plastics;
• polypropylenes;
• polyurethanes;
• polystyrene;
• polyacrylates;
• phenol-formaldehyde resins;
• epoxy resins;
• Capron;
• viscose;
• nylons;
• polyester fibers;
• adhesives;
• film;
• tannins and others.

This is just a small list of that diversity, that offers modern chemistry.But here already it is clear what items and products made from polymers - almost any household utensils, medicine and other areas (windows, pipes, utensils, tools, furniture, toys, films, etc.).

polymers in various branches of science and technology

We have already touched on the question of which areas are used polymers.Examples showing their importance in science and technology, can cause the following:

• use of rubber;
• anti-static coating;
• electromagnetic shields;
• corps of almost all household appliances;
• transistors;
• LEDs, and so on.

There are no restrictions on the use of fantasy polymeric materials in the modern world.

Polymer

polymer.What it is?It is practically all that surrounds us.Where are they produced?

1. Petrochemical (refining) industry.
2. Special plants for the production of polymeric materials and their products.

This basic framework on which is obtained (synthesized) polymeric materials.