Introduction:

• The word “Polymer” is derived from two Greek

words, ‘Poly’ that means many (numerous) and
‘Mer’ which means units. In basic terms, a polymer is
a long-chain molecule that is composed of a large
number of repeating units of identical structure.
• monomers can be simple — just an atom or two or
three — or they might be complicated ring-shaped
structures containing a dozen or more atoms.
 Classification of polymers based on
resources:
• Natural polymers: polymers which occurs in nature
and are existing in the natural source like plant and
animal.
examples are cellulose, proteins, DNA, silk etc.
• Semi-synthesis polymers: polymers obtained by
modification in the properties of natural polymers which
with stand our requirement. e.g. vulcanize rubber,
cellulose diacetate etc.
• Synthesis polymers: polymers which are human made
using different chemical process. e.g. polyethylene,
polystyrene, nylon, bakelite etc.
 Classification of polymers based on
structure:
• Chain polymers: polymers whose structure are linear
(long chain) e.g. polyethylene, nylon 6-6 etc.
• Branched polymers: polymers which consisting
secondary polymeric chain to the original chain e.g.
LDPE, starch, glycogen etc.
• Crosslink polymers: crosslink is a bond that links one
polymer chain to another polymer chain (three
dimension network) e.g. polystyrene, synthetic rubber
 Classification of polymers based on
polymerization:
• Addition polymers: These type of polymers are formed
by the repeated addition of monomer molecules.
There is no elimination of small molecules like water or
alcohol etc Example: ethene n(CH2=CH2) to polyethene -
(CH2-CH2)n-.
• Condensation polymers: These polymers are formed
by the combination of monomers, with the elimination of
small molecules like water, alcohol etc.
The monomers in these reactions are bi-functional or tri-
functional in nature. Example: Hexamethylenediamine
and adipic acid. to give Nylon 6-6
 Classification of polymers based on
molecular forces:
• Thermoplastic polymers: Thermoplastic polymers are
long-chain polymers in which inter-molecules forces hold
the polymer chains together.
These polymers when heated are softened and
hardened when they are allowed to cool down, forming a
hard mass. They do not contain any cross bond and can
easily be shaped by heating and using moulds. e.g.
Polystyrene, PVC.
• Thermosetting polymer: Thermosetting plastics are
polymers which are semi-fluid in nature with low
molecular masses. They form a three-dimensional
structure on the application of heat. This reaction is
irreversible in nature. e.g. Bakelite
• Elastomer: Elastomer are rubber-like solid polymers,
that are elastic in nature. they can be easily stretched by
applying a little force.
they have weakest intramolecular force and they also get
their original shape very easily e.g. rubber band
• Fibers: polymers which are a thread like in nature,
strong inter-molecules forces giving them less elasticity
and high tensile strength. The
intermolecular forces may be hydrogen bonds or dipole-
dipole interaction. Fibres have sharp and high melting
points. e.g. Nylon-6-6
 Classification of polymers based on
degradation properties:
• Biodegradable polymers: polymers which degrade by
bacteria, enzyme or via air oxidation.
most common biopolymers are polylecticacid (PLA),
polyglycolicacid (PGA), dextran etc.

• Non-biodegradable polymers: polymers which do not

degrade very easily
This type of polymers create an environmental issues.
Examples are terelin, nylon 6-6, nitrile rubber, Bakelite
etc.