How are polymers made?

A polymer is a large molecule made up of smaller, joined-together molecules called monomers. Monomers join together to make polymer chains by forming covalent bonds—that is, by sharing electrons. Other bonds then hold the groups of chains together to form a polymer material.

What is artificial polymer?

Synthetic polymers are human-made polymers, often derived from petroleum oil. From the utility point of view they can be classified into three main categories: thermoplastics, elastomers and synthetic fibers. A wide variety of synthetic polymers are available with variations in main chain as well as side chains.

How are natural polymers made?

Natural polymers These polymers have been formed by addition polymerization or condensation polymerization. Our body also contains many natural polymers including proteins and nucleic acids. Mostly, natural polymers have been formed from condensation polymers and water is formed as a by-product.

What material is polymer made from?

polymer A substance made from long chains of repeating groups of atoms. Manufactured polymers include nylon, polyvinyl chloride (better known as PVC) and many types of plastics. Natural polymers include rubber, silk and cellulose (found in plants and used to make paper, for example).

How is nylon polymer made?

Nylon is made when the appropriate monomers (the chemical building blocks which make up polymers) are combined to form a long chain via a condensation polymerisation reaction. The two molecules are combined to create the polymer and water (H2O) is produced as a by-product.

Is plastic a natural or artificial polymer?

Plastics are synthetic or semi-organic polymers made from oil or petroleum through the use of chemicals and condensation to induce molecular bonding. Although polymers can occur naturally, plastics are entirely man-made.

What materials are used to make artificial muscles?

Polymer artificial muscle technologies are being developed that produce similar strains and higher stresses using electrostatic forces, electrostriction, ion insertion, and molecular conformational changes. Materials used include elastomers, conducting polymers, ionically conducting polymers, and carbon nanotubes.

What materials are used to make plastics?

The PET bottles we use are commonly made up of synthetic polymer called as polyethylene terephthalate. The covers and plastic kits comprises synthetic polymers such as polythene, and the tyres of vehicles are manufactured from the Buna rubbers.

What is the second group of polymer artificial muscles?

The second group of polymer artificial muscles is a class of materials in which the presence and movement of ions is necessary to make actuation possible. This group is referred to as ionic EAPs. For the ions to be able to move, an electrolyte phase is necessary, which is often liquid; so these actuators are also known as wet EAPs.

What are the synthetic polymers used in everyday life?

Some of the synthetic polymers which we use in our everyday life include nylons used in fabrics and textiles, Teflon used in non-stick pans, polyvinyl chloride used in pipes. The PET bottles we use are commonly made up of synthetic polymer called as polyethylene terephthalate.