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A polymer is a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeating subunits called monomers.
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These molecules are found in a wide variety of materials, from plastics and rubber to proteins and DNA.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What are polymers?
Building blocks:
Polymers are formed when many small molecules (monomers) chemically bond together to create long chains or networks.
Examples:
- Natural polymers: Proteins (like keratin in hair and nails), DNA, and even some carbohydrates are natural polymers.
- Synthetic polymers: Plastics, rubber, and many synthetic fibers (like nylon and polyester) are examples of polymers created by humans.
Applications:
Polymers are used in countless applications, including:
- Packaging: Plastics, films.
- Clothing: Fabrics like nylon and polyester.
- Construction: Piping, decking, and other building materials.
- Medical devices: Implants, catheters, and contact lenses.
- Electronics: Used in various components and materials.
Types of Polymers:
Natural polymers:
Originate in nature, such as cellulose (from plants) and proteins (from animals).
Synthetic polymers:
Created through chemical reactions, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.
Biodegradable polymers:
Designed to decompose naturally, often used in packaging and medical applications.
Polymerization:
Addition polymerization:
Monomers add to each other to form a chain without the elimination of any atoms.
Condensation polymerization:
Monomers link together, with the elimination of a small molecule like water.
Properties of polymers:
- Mechanical properties: Tensile strength, elasticity, hardness, etc.
- Thermal properties: Heat capacity, thermal expansion, etc.
- Optical properties: Refractive index, light transmission, etc.
In the context of web development:
Polymer (library):
A JavaScript library developed by Google that simplifies the creation of reusable web components using web standards.
Web Components:
A set of web platform APIs that allow developers to create custom HTML elements with encapsulated functionality and styling.
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A substance or material that consists of very large molecules, or macromolecules, that are constituted by many repeating subunits derived from one or more ...
People also ask
Is polymer good for you?
Polymers are not as toxic to people as the monomers they contain. But when cut, heated, or manipulated, polymers and their byproducts can release dangerous dust and vapors. Vinyl acetate in EVA may affect the heart, nervous system, and liver. It may reduce fertility in men.
What is an example of a polymer?
polymer, any of a class of natural or synthetic substances composed of very large molecules, called macromolecules, that are multiples of simpler chemical units called monomers. Polymers make up many of the materials in living organisms, including, for example, proteins, cellulose, and nucleic acids.
Jun 20, 2025
Polymer
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A polymer is a substance or material that consists of very large molecules, or macromolecules, that are constituted by many repeating subunits derived from one or more species of monomers. Wikipedia
Polymer is an interdisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing innovative and significant advances in Polymer Physics, Chemistry and Technology.
Polymers formed by a straightforward linking together of monomer units, with no loss or gain of material, are called addition polymers or chain-growth polymers.
Aug 30, 2021 · Polymers are chemicals that have been assembled from a series of single monomer “building blocks.” For example, DNA is a polymer.
Polymers are widely used advanced materials, which are found almost in every material used in our daily life.
A polymer is a material that has a large molecular structure composed entirely of rings or chains of many distinctive repeating units (monomers). To simplify ...
May 16, 2025 · A polymer is a chemical compound with molecules bonded together in long, repeating chains. Because of their structure, polymers have unique properties that can ...
Oct 13, 2017 · Polymers are large molecules made by bonding (chemically linking) a series of building blocks. The word polymer comes from the Greek words for “many parts.”
The Polymer library provides a set of features for creating custom elements. These features are designed to make it easier and faster to make custom elements ...