Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
POLYMER STRUCTURE
Linear
(CH
2
CH
2
)
n
CH
2
CH
2
polyethylene
CH
3
CH
3
(CH
CH
2
)
n
CH
CH
2
polypropylene
Random coil
The three-dimensional shape or structure of a polymer is dependent on the
shape and type of monomer and the ways the monomers are linked together.
A linear polymer is one in which the monomers are connected in a chain-
like manner. Although called linear, such polymers should not be thought of
as straight lines. They form random coils as seen in a plate of spaghetti.
The subscript
in the above formulae is a whole number indicating the
number of monomer units in the polymer chain. This is called the polymer's
degree of polymerization.
n
