Monomer is a small molecule Polymer is a long chain of monomers The process by which monomers combine is called polymerization

Hermann Staudinger (1881 – 1965) “Father of Macromolecular Chemistry” 1953 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. German chemist who demonstrated the existence of macromolecules, which he characterized as polymers. He postulated that materials such as natural rubber have very high molecular weights. In a paper, Staudinger presented several reactions that form high molecular weight molecules by linking together a large number of small molecules. During this reaction, which he called "polymerization," individual repeating units are joined together by covalent bonds.

Repeating units are a simplified method of drawing a polymer Polymers consist of repeating molecular units which usually are joined by covalent bonds

Here are some examples of pendant groups circled in red:                                                                                   A pendant group on a polymer is a small group of atoms (even a small chain sometimes) that hangs off of the main chain (that is, the backbone of the polymer). Here are some examples of pendant groups circled in red: polypropylene polyvinylalcohol polystyrene

Polymers can be classified into several ways: Based on Structure of Polymers i) Linear polymers    (ii) Branched chain polymers        (iii) Cross linked polymers Based on the Origin of the Polymer i) Natural polymers    (ii) Semi-synthetic polymers        (iii) Synthetic polymers Based on Types of Monomers i) Homopolymer     (ii) Copolymer   Based on Tacticity (Configuration) i) Isotactic polymer    (ii) Syndiotactic polymer        (iii) Atactic polymer Based on Synthesis i) Addition polymers     (ii) Condensation polymers Based on Thermal Processing Behaviour i) Thermoplastic Polymers    (ii) Thermosetting Polymer

Classification Based on Structure of Polymers

Linear Polymers: Appearance of real linear polymer chains as recorded using an atomic force microscope on surface under liquid medium. Chain contour length for this polymer is ~204 nm; thickness is ~0.4 nm. (The contour length of a polymer chain is its length at maximum physically possible extension).

Linear Polymer: Branched Polymer:

Linear Polymer: Cross-linked Polymer:

Star Polymer:

Dendrimers:

Classification Based on the Origin of the Polymer Natural Semi-synthetic Synthetic

β(1→4)-glycosidic bonds. Natural Polymers: Polymers in Plants Cellulose Cellulose, a linear polymer of D-glucose units (two are shown) linked by β(1→4)-glycosidic bonds.

While cellulose is a basic structural material of most plant substances, it is also produced by bacteria. Bacterial cellulose has different properties from plant cellulose and is characterized by high purity, strength, moldability and increased water holding ability. In natural habitats, the majority of bacteria synthesize cellulose, which form protective envelopes around the cells. Many methods are currently being investigated to enhance cellulose growth from cultures in laboratories as a large-scale process. A purified microbial cellulose sample Paper made from bacterial cellulose

Starch

Charles GOODYEAR discovered vulcanization in 1839 Natural Rubber Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene

Natural Polymers: Polymers in Animals Protein

Examples of Proteins All enzymes are proteins. Collagen in teehth and bone; keratin in skin, hair and nails.

the exoskeletons of crabs, lobsters and shrimps Chitin the exoskeletons of crabs, lobsters and shrimps (polymer of the N-Acetylglucosamine units)

Semi-synthetic Polymers: Cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate obtained from natural polymers by subjecting them to some chemical processes Cellulose nitrate Cellulose triacetate

1950s Black Bakelite Telephone Synthetic Polymers 1950s Black Bakelite Telephone Bakelite Sockets & Switches Bakelite (1909) Blue Bakelite Handle

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (1935) PMMA sheet (organic glass) Plexiglass aquarium

Polystyrene (1937) Styrofoam - a brand of polystyrene foam rigid polystyrene case, weight 2.6 Kg

Nylon 6,6 (1938) A 1949 advertisement in Life Magazine sings the praises of nylon products. Natural animal bristles were replaced by synthetic fibers, usually nylon, by DuPont in 1938.

Polyesters (1950) Recycled PET Fabric Poly(ethylene terephthalate)-PET bottles

Polycarbonates (1957) GE Lexan® face shield Lexan MR-10 windshields