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

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Classification Based on Structure of Polymers

7. 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).

8. Linear Polymer:
Branched Polymer:

9. Linear Polymer:
Cross-linked Polymer:

10. Star Polymer:

11. Dendrimers:

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. Starch

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

17. Natural Polymers: Polymers in Animals
Protein

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

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

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

21. 1950s Black Bakelite Telephone
Synthetic Polymers
1950s Black Bakelite Telephone
Bakelite Sockets & Switches
Bakelite (1909)
Blue Bakelite Handle

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

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

24. 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.

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

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