copolymers
Blended molecular strands
Copolymers is the plural of copolymer, a polymer formed from two or more different types of monomer units.
Unlike homopolymers, which consist of repeating identical units, copolymers incorporate variety in their molecular chains, allowing chemists to engineer specific properties: The rubber in your tires is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene.
Common examples include ABS plastic and spandex.
Single molecular units
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- graftIllicit political gain
- randomOccurring without pattern
- macromoleculesVery large molecular structures
crosslinking · chain · reactivity · synthesis · condensation · addition · emulsion · radical
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- polyurethaneVersatile synthetic resin compound
- polyesterSynthetic petroleum-based fabric
polyamide · acrylic · methacrylate · vinyl · butadiene · isoprene · fluoropolymer · silicone
Heat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- elastomerStretchable polymer substance
- thermosetPermanently cross-linked polymer
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- plasticCapable of being molded
resin · film · fiber · foam · coating · adhesive · sealant · membrane
Protective product enclosure
- automotiveRelating to motor vehicles
- textilesWoven or knit materials
- biomedicalConcerning biology and medicine
- coatingsApplied surface layers
adhesives · electronics · construction · pharmaceuticals · implants · membranes · filtration · insulation
Ability to adapt easily
- elasticityTendency to resume original form
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- transparencyState of being see-through
- biodegradabilityAbility to naturally decompose
biocompatibility · viscosity · crystallinity · durability · weatherability · hardness
monomers
Single molecular units
macromolecules · crosslinking · chain · reactivity · synthesis · condensation · addition · emulsion · radical · catalyst
polyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- polyurethaneVersatile synthetic resin compound
polyester · polyamide · acrylic · methacrylate · vinyl · butadiene · isoprene · fluoropolymer · silicone
thermoplastic
Heat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- elastomerStretchable polymer substance
- thermosetPermanently cross-linked polymer
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
plastic · resin · film · fiber · foam · coating · adhesive · sealant · membrane · composite
packaging
Protective product enclosure
- automotiveRelating to motor vehicles
- textilesWoven or knit materials
- biomedicalConcerning biology and medicine
coatings · adhesives · electronics · construction · pharmaceuticals · implants · membranes · filtration · insulation · seals
flexibility
Ability to adapt easily
- elasticityTendency to resume original form
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- transparencyState of being see-through
biodegradability · biocompatibility · viscosity · crystallinity · durability · weatherability · hardness
- block copolymersPolymers with distinct sequential segments