SUPER CARBON: POLYMERS

DEFINITION:

• Polymers is a substance that has a molecular structure
• of a large number of similar units bonded together

History:

The Mayan civilization were discovered by British explorers. They were the first to find application for polymers. They made rubber balls for their kids to use from trees. In 1917, M. Polanyi discovered that unit cells contain sections of chain molecules.

Process:
The process of making polymers is called polymerization. Polymerization is a process in which an organic compound reacts with itself to form a high molecular weight compound composed of repeating units of the original compound. The formula for a nomopolymer is A+A+A->AAA and the formula for a copolymer is A+B+A->ABA.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

The physical properties of polymers is that it has a low density that gives plastics its strength, a tensile strength, and when it is at a low glass transition temperature it is weak and flexible. The chemical properties of polymers is that they are u affected by contact with strong acids, they weather rapidly when exposed to the atmosphere, and they easily burn.

Nomenclature Rules:

Polymers are made of macromolecules. They have a range of molar masses. There are two ways to naming polymers. One way is source-based which is used when a monomer is identified. The other way is structure-based which is used when a polymers structure is proven.

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5 EXAMPLES OF POLYMERS:

• Plastics
• Proteins (hair, nails)
• DNA
• Rubber
• Wood

Uses:

Polymers can be used for many things. They are used in paper plates, tires, styrofoam cups, plastic bottles and utensils.

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DNA iS AN EXAMPLE OF A POLYMER

5 Reasons So Many Organic Carbons are discovered:

• Carbon has no preference whether it gains or loses electrons
• Carbon is a versatile element
• It can combine with many other elements
• The atoms have the ability to creat chemical chemical bonds
• The atoms are just the right size to fit as constituents of large molecules

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