A polymer is a molecule composed of a small molecular unit repeating in a chain; usually $>100$ units. The chain may have complicated topology, like branches, or cross-links. Links can also be made between different polymers (of different chemical composition for instance). These all determine the polymer architecture.

Polymer physics

Polymer chemistry

Example of polymer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene

Examples of polymers

• Plastics,
• Rubbers,
• Latex,
• Many Adhesives
• Many Lubcricants
• Many Viscosity Modifiers
• Conductive polymer
• Biopolymers:
  • Proteins: polymers of Aminoacids.
  • DNA and RNA: polymers of nucleotides.
  • Polysaccarides

Polymer architecture

Main architectures:

• Linear-chain polymer
• Branched polymers. Plastic films are somtimes branched polymers.
• Cross-linked (Polymer network)

More specific examples of architectures:

Interestingly, when one closes a linear-chain polymer into a loop, the viscosity drops dramatically.

Polymers according to synthesis reaction

Addtion polymers created by Addition reactions

Alkenes can act as monomers because they are unsaturated:

• ethene can polymerise to form poly(ethene), also called polythene
• propene can polymerise to form poly(propene), also called polypropylene
• chloroethene can polymerise to form poly(chloroethene), also called PVC

Condensation polymers created by Condensation reaction

An example of a condensation polymer is nylon, and some Proteins (the ones that are formed from repeating units)

Uses of polymers