What is polymer chemistry?
Q: What is polymer chemistry?
A: Polymer chemistry (also called macromolecular chemistry) is the science of chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers or macromolecules.
Q: What are some examples of biopolymers produced by living organisms?
A: Examples of biopolymers produced by living organisms include structural proteins such as collagen, keratin, elastin; chemically functional proteins like enzymes, hormones, transport proteins; structural polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin; storage polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen; and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
Q: What are some examples of synthetic polymers used for plastics?
A: Examples of synthetic polymers used for plastics include thermoplastics such as polyethylene, Teflon, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, nylon rayon celluloid silicone; thermosetting plastics such as vulcanized rubber Bakelite Kevlar epoxy.
Q: How are polymer molecules formed?
A: Polymer molecules are formed through the process of polymerization which involves combining monomers together to form a larger molecule.
Q: How do chemists describe a polymer?
A: Chemists describe a polymer based on its degree of polymerization (the number of monomer units in the chain), molar mass distribution (the relative amount each type of monomer unit contributes to the total mass), tacticity (how regular or irregularly arranged the monomers are along the chain), copolymer distribution (what percentage is made up from different types/monomers), degree of branching (how many branches there are off the main chain), end-groups (the type/s at either end), crosslinks (connections between two or more chains) and crystallinity (how ordered it is).
Q: What thermal properties do chemists study when looking at a polymer?
A: When looking at a polymer chemists study its glass transition temperature and melting temperature which relate to its thermal properties.
Q: What special characteristics does a polymer have when in solution?
A:When in solution a polymer has special characteristics relating to solubility viscosity and gelation.
