Question

Classify polymer materials into two sub-categories, describe their common important properties and give one example for each sub-category. For each example, use a material web-site or a program to list/describe the properties, use, limitations and applications of the example (one page maximum for each material).

Answer 1

Polymer materials are classified into natural and synthetic polymers. Natural polymers include substances like cellulose, while synthetic polymers encompass plastics such as polyethylene. These polymers exhibit properties like toughness, viscoelasticity, and have various applications from clothing to packaging.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polymer materials can be classified into two sub-categories: natural polymers and synthetic polymers. Natural polymers include materials such as proteins, DNA, and cellulose, which play critical roles in biological structures and functions. On the other hand, synthetic polymers are human-made and include plastics like polyethylene, PVC, and polystyrene, which have a wide range of applications due to their diverse properties.

Common Important Properties of Polymers

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• Toughness
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• Viscoelasticity
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• Tendency to form glasses and semicrystalline structures

These properties are due to the large molecular mass of polymers and their structure of repeating units (monomers).

Example of Natural Polymer: Cellulose - Found in cotton and paper, cellulose is strong, flexible, and does not dissolve in water.

Example of Synthetic Polymer: Polyethylene - It is used in a variety of products from plastic bags to bulletproof vests. Polyethylene's properties include durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture.

Both categories of polymers have transformed modern society with their applications in fibers, films, adhesives, resistant paints, and lightweight solids.