Polymers
Polymers are both man-made and naturally occurring. Rubber, for example, is a natural polymeric material that has been used for thousands of years. It has excellent elastic qualities, the result of a molecular polymer chain created by mother nature. Another natural polymer is shellac, a resin produced by the lac bug in India and Thailand, which is used as a paint primer, sealant, and varnish.
Properties Of Polymers
Depending on the desired use, polymers can be fine-tuned to leverage certain advantageous properties. These include:
- Reflectivity: Some polymers are used to produce reflective film, which is used in a variety of light-related technologies.
- Impact Resistance: Sturdy plastics that can withstand rough handling are perfect for luggage, protective cases, car bumpers, and more.
- Brittleness: Some forms of polystyrene are hard and brittle and easy to deform using heat.
- Elasticity: Natural and synthetic rubbers have elastic properties that make them ideal for car tires and similar products.
Benefits of Polymers
Polymers and their many applications form a very essential part of daily life
- Polythene: A widely used and common item, plastic bags and containers are in fact a polymer made of polythene. However, they are non-biodegradable and pose a risk to the environment.
- PVC: The most common use of polyvinyl chloride is in the electric wires and other insulated equipment that is coated in PVC. They are also used in water pipes that provide corrosion-free applications.
- Rubber: Rubber is commonly used for making tires, though is also important for making machine parts, lubricants, gloves, and so on.
