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Essay / Types and Properties of Polymers
Polymers are large molecules and have the same structural unit which repeats itself over and over again and these repeating units are known as monomers. These monomers are linked to each other by covalent bonds and form polymers. Polymers generally consist of a high molecular weight and more than 10,000 atoms. In the synthesis process, known as polymerization, in which longer polymer chains are obtained. Polymers are mainly divided into two types based on their synthesis method. If monomers have double bonds between carbons from addition reactions, polymers can be synthesized. These polymers are called addition polymers. In some polymerization reactions, when two monomers are joined, a small molecule like water is removed. Such polymers are condensation polymers. Polymers have physical and chemical properties very different from those of their monomers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Polymers have very different physical and chemical properties from their monomers. In addition, depending on the number of repetitions of the polymer, the properties differ. There are a large number of polymers present in the natural environment and they play very important roles. Synthetic polymers are also widely used for different purposes. Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon and bakelite are some of the synthetic polymers. When producing synthetic polymers, the process must always be highly controlled to achieve the desired product. Polymers are used as adhesives, lubricants, paints, films, fibers, plastic products, etc. Now let's come to biopolymers: these are polymers synthesized from living organisms. There are three main biopolymers in the living system: polysaccharides, proteins and polynucleotides (nucleic acid). The structural unit of polysaccharides is monosaccharides (sugars). When two monosaccharides are joined together to form a glycosidic bond, a water molecule is released. Polysaccharides play structural and functional roles in organisms. Glycogen is a storage polysaccharide, while cellulose is a component of the cell walls of plant cells. Glucose is the monomer of glycogen and cellulose polymers. Proteins are made of polypeptides, which are biopolymers of amino acid monomers. DNA and RNA are two vital polynucleotides found in organisms. The biopolymer synthesis process is a dehydration process, in which a water molecule is released with the formation of a covalent bond. Biopolymers are very complex and there is a wide variety of them. They can be linear or branched, and the folding patterns are unique to each biopolymer. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a Personalized Essay Unlike synthetic polymers, biopolymers are easily degradable. Biopolymers can therefore be used to replace certain synthetic polymers. They can be hydrolyzed by enzymes, or denatured by heating, adding chemicals or by mechanical forces. Biopolymers have a defined and very specific structure, because biological systems are very selective in nature..