polymer
Repeated subunit structure
A polymer is a substance whose molecular structure consists of many repeated smaller units (monomers) bonded together in long chains.
Plastics, rubber, DNA, and proteins are all polymers.
The term appears in chemistry and materials science: synthetic polymers, natural polymers.
Polymerization is the process of forming polymers from monomers.
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- polyvinylchlorideSynthetic plastic polymer
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
polycarbonate · polyurethane · polyester · acrylic · epoxy · resin · silicone · teflon
Naturally produced macromolecule
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- starchComplex plant carbohydrate
- proteinFolded amino chain
rubber · latex · keratin · collagen · elastin · lignin · pectin · alginate
Very large molecule
- copolymerMulti-monomer molecular chain
- crosslinkBond joining molecular chains
- molecularOf tiny particles
- covalentSharing electrons between atoms
backbone · chain · branching · crystallinity · thermoplastic · thermoset · addition · condensation
Stretchable polymer substance
- stretchPull to extend
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
tensile · spandex · latex · neoprene · silicone · viscoelasticity · memory · recoil
Capable of being molded
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- filmMovie or coating
- coatingApplied surface covering
- adhesiveMaterial that bonds objects
sealant · foam · membrane · composite · packaging · textile · tubing · molding
Able to withstand use
- resilientAble to recover quickly
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- moldableCapable of being shaped
- corrosion-resistantWithstands oxidation and decay
insulating · waterproof · impact-resistant · thermostable · biodegradable · recyclable · transparent · rigid
Permeable construction fabric
- linerInner protective covering
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- drainageLiquid removal system
polyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- polyvinylchlorideSynthetic plastic polymer
nylon · polycarbonate · polyurethane · polyester · acrylic · epoxy · resin · silicone · teflon · PVC
biopolymer
Naturally produced macromolecule
protein · rubber · latex · keratin · collagen · elastin · lignin · pectin · alginate · silk
macromolecule
Very large molecule
- copolymerMulti-monomer molecular chain
- crosslinkBond joining molecular chains
- molecularOf tiny particles
covalent · backbone · chain · branching · crystallinity · thermoplastic · thermoset · addition · condensation · vulcanization
elastomer
Stretchable polymer substance
- stretchPull to extend
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
resilience · tensile · spandex · latex · neoprene · silicone · viscoelasticity · memory · recoil · springiness
plastic
Capable of being molded
adhesive · sealant · foam · membrane · composite · packaging · textile · tubing · molding · laminate
durable
Able to withstand use
- resilientAble to recover quickly
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- moldableCapable of being shaped
corrosion-resistant · insulating · waterproof · impact-resistant · thermostable · biodegradable · recyclable · transparent · rigid · flexible
geotextile
Permeable construction fabric
- linerInner protective covering
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
drainage · separation · landfill · embankment · stabilization
- currency manufacturingminting, paper money, banknotes, printing plates, coin press
- sludge treatmentsludge, biosolids, dewatering, digestion, thickening
- materialsmetal, metals, wood, ceramic, fabric
- sciencebiology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- engineeringengineers, civil engineering, engineering, electrical engineering, blueprint
polymers, polymeric, polymerize, polymerization, polymerized, polymerizing, polymerisation