Deutsch: Polymer / Español: Polímero / Português: Polímero / Français: Polymère / Italiano: Polimero
A polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeated subunits, known as monomers. Because of their broad range of properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play an essential and ubiquitous role in everyday life. Polymers range from familiar synthetic plastics such as polystyrene (or styrofoam) to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are fundamental to biological structure and function.
In the industrial context, a polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating subunits called monomers. Polymers have a wide range of properties and are used in a variety of industries, including plastics, textiles, and electronics.
Examples of polymers in the industrial context include:
-
Polyethylene: A commonly used polymer in the production of plastic products, such as bags, bottles, and containers.
-
Polypropylene: Another polymer commonly used in the production of plastic products, such as automotive parts and packaging materials.
-
Polystyrene: A polymer used in the production of foam products, such as disposable cups, packaging materials, and insulation.
-
Nylon: A synthetic polymer used in the production of textiles, such as clothing, carpeting, and upholstery.
-
Silicone: A polymer used in the production of sealants, adhesives, and medical devices.
-
PVC (polyvinyl chloride): A polymer used in the production of pipes, wire insulation, and vinyl flooring.
-
PET (polyethylene terephthalate): A polymer used in the production of bottles and containers for food and beverage packaging.
Polymers can be made from a variety of raw materials, including petroleum, natural gas, and renewable sources such as plants and biomass. The properties of polymers can be customized by varying the chemical composition, molecular weight, and processing conditions used in their production. The use of polymers in industry has revolutionized the production of a wide range of products, providing improved durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, the disposal of polymer waste has also raised environmental concerns, leading to efforts to develop more sustainable materials and recycling methods.
Related Articles to the term 'Polymer' | |
| 'Plastic' | ■■■■■■■■■■ |
| In an industrial context, plastic is a synthetic material that is made from polymer resins and is used . . . Read More | |
| 'Polymer' at quality-database.eu | ■■■■■■■■ |
| Polymer in quality management refers to a large molecule composed of repeating structural units, utilized . . . Read More | |
| 'HDPE' | ■■■■■■ |
| High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a polyethylene thermoplastic . . . Read More | |
| 'Polymerization' | ■■■■■■ |
| Polymerization is a chemical process in the industrial context that involves the combination of small . . . Read More | |
| 'Homopolymer' at quality-database.eu | ■■■■ |
| Homopolymer in the quality management context is a type of polymer consisting of identical monomer units. . . . Read More | |
| 'LDPE' | ■■■ |
| Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It was the first grade . . . Read More | |
| 'Polypropylene' | ■■■ |
| Polypropylene in the industrial context refers to a thermoplastic polymer used widely in a variety of . . . Read More | |
| 'Carboxylic acid' | ■■ |
| Carboxylic acid is an organic compound characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). In . . . Read More | |
| 'Semi-crystalline polymer' | ■■ |
| Semi-crystalline polymer: A semi-crystalline polymer in the industrial and industry context refers to . . . Read More | |
| 'Styrofoam' | ■■ |
| Styrofoam refers to a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) used primarily . . . Read More | |