Final answer:
A polymer combined with other substances to create a new material is known as a composite. Polymers consist of repeating units called monomers and are created through addition or condensation reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a polymer is combined with one or more substances to make a new material, the resulting product is known as a composite. Polymers are large molecules formed of many smaller molecules, called monomers, covalently bonded in a repeating pattern. There are primarily two types of polymerization reactions that form polymers: addition reactions and condensation reactions. An addition reaction involves monomers with a double bond and includes steps such as initiation, propagation, and termination. On the other hand, a condensation reaction is when two different monomers react together, releasing a small molecule like water, to form a new bond. Well-known polymer composites have applications in areas such as construction, aerospace, and automotive industries, where they provide unique combinations of strength, weight, and other properties.