Polymers

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Polymer Noun

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[pol-uh-mer]

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Polymer

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A large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeating smaller structural units known as monomers.

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Example: This diagram shows that a polymer is a large molecule (a long chain) made by linking many smaller, repeating units called monomers together.

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Monomer Noun

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[mon-uh-mer]

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Monomer

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A small molecule that chemically bonds to other identical molecules to form a larger molecule called a polymer.

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Example: This image shows that monomers are small, individual molecules that can link together in a process called polymerization to form a long chain called a polymer.

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Structural Unit Noun

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[struk-cher-ul yoo-nit]

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Structural Unit

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The repeating group of atoms within a polymer chain that is derived from the bonding of monomer molecules.

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Example: This diagram shows a nucleotide, the structural unit of the polymer DNA. It is formed from three parts: a phosphate, a sugar, and a base.

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Polymerization Reaction Noun

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[pol-im-er-i-zay-shun ree-ak-shun]

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Polymerization Reaction

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A chemical process in which small molecules, called monomers, combine chemically to produce a very large chainlike molecule.

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Example: This diagram shows that a polymerization reaction is a process where many small, individual molecules called monomers link together to form a long chain called a polymer.

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Addition Polymerization Noun

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[uh-dish-un pol-im-er-i-zay-shun]

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Addition Polymerization

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A polymerization process where monomers add to one another so that the polymer contains all atoms of the monomer.

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Example: This diagram shows how many small molecules called monomers (ethene) join together by breaking their double bonds to form a long chain molecule called a polymer (polyethene).

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Condensation Polymerization Noun

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[kon-den-say-shun pol-im-er-i-zay-shun]

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Condensation Polymerization

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A polymerization where monomers join together, resulting in the formation of a polymer and a small molecule byproduct.

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Example: Two different small molecules (monomers) join together to form a long polymer chain, releasing a small water molecule in the process.

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Thermoplastic Polymer Noun

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[thur-mo-plas-tik pol-uh-mer]

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Thermoplastic Polymer

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A type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

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Example: This diagram shows that thermoplastics are a type of plastic (polymer) and uses a recycling symbol to illustrate their key property: they can be reshaped.

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Thermosetting Polymer Noun

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[thur-mo-set-ing pol-uh-mer]

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Thermosetting Polymer

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A polymer that is irreversibly cured from a soft solid or liquid into a rigid, infusible solid.

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Example: This diagram shows that thermosetting polymers (thermosets) are made of long chains that are permanently cross-linked, forming a strong, rigid network structure.

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Celluloid Noun

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[sel-yuh-loid]

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Celluloid

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An early plastic made by treating natural cellulose with nitric acid, considered one of the first thermoplastic materials.

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Example: This image shows an antique vanity set, including a brush and comb, made from celluloid, one of the first synthetic polymers (plastics).

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Bakelite Noun

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[bay-kuh-lite]

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Bakelite

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The first plastic made from synthetic components, known for its heat-resistant and electrically nonconductive properties.

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Example: This vintage telephone is an example of a product made from Bakelite, an early type of hard, heat-resistant plastic polymer.