Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
POLYMERS
• Giant molecules made up of repeating units called
monomers
or
mers
• Polymers are also called
macromolecules
• Differences between ordinary organic compounds and polymers
are due mainly to the large size and shape of polymer molecules
• Polymers in nature
• Man-made polymers
All polymers are giant molecules made up of repeating units called mono-
mers or mers. These units may be the same or different. The number of
monomers that join to form a polymer or macromolecule is called the degree
of polymerization and is theoretically infinite, but, in practice, the number
of monomer units is commonly in the range of 1000 to 20,000 if no crosslinks
are present.
Polymers have been part of nature since the beginning of life. For exam-
ple, proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides found in plants and animals
are polymers. Today, man-made polymers are part of our lifestyle, providing
clothing, paints, furniture, carpets, building materials, etc.
