Generally:
- they have a low thermal and electrical conductivity;
- their deformation is very temperature dependent;
- low Young module (they deform a lot for low tensions/strenghts);
- the atoms are bond by covalent and secondary bonds (Van der Walls
and hydrogen bonds)
Branched polymers have side chains branching off from the main polymer chain, giving them a more complex structure. This branching increases their flexibility and reduces their crystallinity compared to linear polymers, which have a straight chain structure. Branched polymers also have lower viscosity and higher elasticity than linear polymers.
No, not all polymers are man-made. Some polymers can be found in nature, such as proteins, cellulose, and DNA. These natural polymers have unique properties and functions in living organisms.
Some examples of polymers found in carbohydrates include starch, cellulose, and glycogen. These polymers are made up of repeating units of simple sugars like glucose.
Yes. Some polymers have double bonds, for example natural rubber - poly isoprene . See link for structure. However many polymers that are familiar do not polyethylene is (C2H4)n , polyvinyl chloride (C2H3Cl)n
Most plastics contain carbon, hydrogen some contain oxygen , chlorine fluorine or nitrogen.
Characteristics of polymers can be altered by: irradiation, treatment with oxygen or other chemicals, rising the temperature, using additives in the composition.
Yes, polymers can be broadly categorized into natural and synthetic polymers. Synthetic polymers can further be classified based on their chemical structure and properties, such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and fibers. These classifications help in understanding the different characteristics and applications of polymers.
Branched polymers have side chains branching off from the main polymer chain, giving them a more complex structure. This branching increases their flexibility and reduces their crystallinity compared to linear polymers, which have a straight chain structure. Branched polymers also have lower viscosity and higher elasticity than linear polymers.
Plastics, which are polymers plus some additives, are their main use.
Polymers with distinct start and end points are referred to as "linear polymers." These polymers consist of long chains of repeating units (monomers) that form a continuous structure, allowing for specific functional properties. In contrast to branched or cross-linked polymers, linear polymers can display unique characteristics like improved tensile strength and flexibility, depending on their composition and molecular weight.
No, not all polymers are man-made. Some polymers can be found in nature, such as proteins, cellulose, and DNA. These natural polymers have unique properties and functions in living organisms.
Molecules
Some examples of polymers found in carbohydrates include starch, cellulose, and glycogen. These polymers are made up of repeating units of simple sugars like glucose.
Yes. Some polymers have double bonds, for example natural rubber - poly isoprene . See link for structure. However many polymers that are familiar do not polyethylene is (C2H4)n , polyvinyl chloride (C2H3Cl)n
Plants do make and use some polymers (e.g. starch, cellulose etc.), as do some animals (e.g. spider silk) but most of what we know as polymers are artificial (e.g. polyethylene, nylon etc.).
There are several polymers in living beings, for example, proteins, DNA, RNA, and polysaccharides.
Macromolecules are polymers. There are bio-polymers such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and DNA, and there are synthetic polymers such as plastics (polystyrene and polyvinylchloride) and synthetic fibres. Nylon and terylene are also considered macromolecules.