10 Examples of Polymers

Polymers are large molecules that are formed by joining two smaller molecules called the monomers. These macromolecules are present in virtually everything that surrounds us.

There are two types of polymers:

• Natural polymers : They are those found in nature. Among them are: DNA , starch , silk and cellulose .
• Artificial polymers : They are those polymers that require the intervention of the hand of man for its constitution. The plastic , the fibers or rubber , are some of them.

Forms of polymerization

There are 2 different forms of polymerization:

1. Addition

It occurs between monomers that have a double or triple bond. This is called in-saturation.

2. Condensation

Mostly it occurs when there is loss of water or loss of some molecule. This condensation can form what are known as multimers or polymers.

Examples of addition polymerization

1. Polymerization by free radicals: mutation of cells in carcinogens
2. Teflon
3. Bakelite
4. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Examples of condensation polymerization

1. Alcohol
2. Carboxylic acids
3. Water

Examples of Polymers

Natural polymers

1. Rubber
2. Paper or cloth
3. Starch (potato)
4. Wood
5. RNA and DNA

Semi-synthetic polymers

They are obtained when the natural polymers are transformed

1. Vulcanized rubber
2. Nitrocellulose

Synthetic polymers

They are those polymers that require the intervention of the hand of man for his constitution.

1. Nylon
2. PVC (cables, plastic bottles)
3. Polyethylene
4. Bakelite
5. Poly carbonate