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Polymers

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Polymers

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The chains are called polymers, and they are very

large molecules.

Sometimes, hundreds of simple molecules can join

together via covalent bonds to form a long chain.

What are polymers?

The word ‘polymer’ comes from the Greek

words poly (meaning ‘many’) and meros

(meaning ‘parts’).

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Natural polymers

All living things, from plants to animals, are made of polymers.

Polymers from living things are called natural polymers.

Natural polymers include:

silk

DNA

protein

rubber

starch.

Some natural polymers can be extracted and converted into

useful products. For example, silk produced by silkworms is

used to make clothing.

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Synthetic polymers

Polymers that are synthesised in a lab are called

synthetic polymers. These are made from substances

extracted from the Earth’s crust.

Synthetic polymers include:

nylon

poly(ethene)

polystyrene

Kevlar.

polyester

These polymers can be designed to have particular properties

specific to their function.

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Natural and synthetic polymers

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Polymers

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Polymers are long chains of atoms joined together by

strong covalent bonds.

Structure of polymers

covalent

bond

The building blocks of polymers are called monomers.

These join together to form long polymer molecules in a

polymerisation reaction.

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Intermolecular forces

Multiple polymer molecules are held together by

intermolecular forces.

These forces determine the properties of the polymer.

Substances made of polymers are solid at room

temperature due to the strong intermolecular forces

between the polymer molecules.

intermolecular forces

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Chain length and intermolecular forces

Longer chain polymers will be harder, stronger and have

higher melting points.

The intermolecular (IM) forces increase as the molecules

get larger.

short chain =

weaker IM forces

long chain =

stronger IM forces

This means that the intermolecular forces are stronger

between polymers with longer chains.

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Polymers

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Glossary

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