Polymers

Polymers are a class of engineering materials that are widely used in a variety of applications due to their unique properties and versatility. A polymer is a large molecule made up of many smaller subunits, called monomers, that are chemically bonded together in a repeating pattern. These repeating patterns give polymers their unique mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Polymers can be either natural or synthetic, and they are used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics, among others. Common examples of polymers include plastics, rubbers, and fibers, each with their own unique properties and applications. The versatility and diversity of polymers make them an essential class of materials in modern engineering and manufacturing.

Polypropylene resin and colorant used in injection molding.

Natural Polymers

Natural polymers are macromolecular substances produced by living organisms and composed of repeating molecular units joined through biologically mediated reactions. Like synthetic polymers, they consist of long-chain molecules whose properties depend on molecular weight, chain structure, and intermolecular interactions. However, their formation typically occurs under ambient temperatures and pressures through enzyme-controlled processes, and their composition...

Elastomers

Elastomers are a class of materials that are defined by their ability to deform under stress and return to their original shape when the stress is removed. They are typically polymers with high molecular weight and high molecular flexibility, which enables them to exhibit rubber-like behavior. Elastomers have a wide range of physical and mechanical...

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are a class of polymers that soften when heated and harden upon cooling, without undergoing significant chemical change. This behavior is primarily associated with linear or lightly branched molecular structures in which polymer chains are held together by secondary intermolecular forces rather than extensive covalent crosslinking. When heat is applied, these intermolecular forces are...