1. Polymers Polymers Polymers are a large class of materials consisting of many small molecules (called monomers) that can be linked together to form long chains. A typical polymer may include tens of thousands of monomers. monomer polymer

2. History of Polymers Humans have taken advantage of the versatility of polymers for centuries in the form of oils, tars, resins, and gums. 1830 - Charles Goodyear developed natural rubber 1870 - Celluloid ( a hard plastic) 1930’s - Industrial revolution - vinyl, neoprene, polystyrene, and nylon Today: Polymers are used in nearly every industry.

3. Applications of Polymers Elastomers: Rubber is the most important elastomer. This material, obtained from the bark of the rubber tree, has been used by humans for many centuries. Plastics: North Americans consume more than 60 billion pounds of plastics each year. Fibers: natural fibers (cotton, wool, and silk) have equivalents such as nylon, polyester, rayon, and acrylic

4. Kevlar Made by Dupont very strong polymer, equal to steel in strength monomers used terephthalic acid and p-phenylenediamine Ballistic protection, Military helmets, Bulletproof vests, climbing hardware (ropes, gloves), sailing equipment, flywheels, aircraft structures.

5. Nylon One of the first polymers invented (1928) easily made into a fibre of high strength, elasticity, toughness, and abrasion resistance used for carpets, clothing, tire cord, rope, and hosiery

6. POLYSTYRENE Good thermal insulator used for foam beads in packing very brittle

7. POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE Moisture resistant, crease resistant when made into a fibre used to make clothing (polyester) and in making soft drink bottles

8. Plastics are used almost everywhere – can you imagine the world without plastic? What would your cell phone be made of? Plastics are used almost everywhere – can you imagine the world without plastic? What would your cell phone be made of?

11. The End of Oil…and plastics based on petroleum…time to use alternatives The End of Oil…and plastics based on petroleum…time to use alternatives