Polymer chemistry is linked to many materials we use every day – clothes, shoes, toothbrushes and school bags are made from fibres, which are long chains of natural or synthetic polymers. Thirty years ago most of the waste in Tamil Nadu was biodegradable or easily recyclable; today many materials, such as plastics, are non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle.
1. What Are Polymers?
- The word 'Polymer' is of Greek origin: 'Poly' means many and 'mer' means basic smaller unit.
- Polymers are very long chains made of repeating smaller molecules called monomers, joined together by covalent bonds. The process is called polymerization.
- Polymers are classified into natural and synthetic polymers.
Natural Polymers
Natural polymers are found in living systems – proteins and carbohydrates in our bodies and cellulose in wood and paper.