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Natural polymers are those long-chain molecules of repeating smaller units found
in nature. These include proteins, lipids (fats), latex, nucleic acids (DNA and
RNA), and the carbohydrates starch and cellulose, among many others. Natural
polymers perform a huge variety of functions. For example, the polymer lignin
gives rigidity to wood, fats provide some animals with insulation, and waxes are
used by bees to construct honeycombs.
Natural polymers are also used in combination with synthetic polymers to yield a
material that has the most useful properties of both substances. Polyester fibers,
for example, are frequently interwoven with cotton fibers to make a blended
fabric. The fabric has the breathability of cotton and the lightness and wrinkle-
resistance of polyester. By reading fabric labels, it is easy to identify a large
number of synthetic/natural polymer blends that are used in modern clothing.
Definition
Natural Polymers
Natural polymers are long-chain molecules made by plants and animals. You are
probably familiar with materials made from many of the natural polymers, but you
may not know the names of the polymers themselves. One common natural
polymer is cellulose. This is the substance that gives plants much of their
structure. Cellulose is made up of a long chain of linked glucose molecules.
(Glucose is a simple sugar made by plants.) Other natural polymers are
starches, proteins, latex, and fats.
Synthetic Polymers
Once synthetic polymers appeared on the scene, their uses seemed endless.
They were used for clothing, packaging materials, containers, coatings, toys, car
parts, appliance parts, wall coverings, floor coverings, and many other products.
The properties of synthetic polymers often enhanced or complemented the
properties of natural polymers in products. Shirts made of polyester/cotton
blends, for example, have the breathability and body of cotton and the wrinkle
resistance of polyester.
Polymers are useful and versatile because polymer chemists can modify their
structure in a number of ways:
by changing the length of the molecular chain or its branching structure
by changing the chemical composition of the monomer units
by changing the way monomer units are arranged within the chain
Testing
They are also analyzed for appearance, texture, odor, opacity, shear, and many
other physical properties. The properties of the polymers determine the products
for which the polymers would be appropriate.
Most synthetic polymers start from monomers derived from petroleum, natural
gas, or coal, such as ethylene (C2H4) and propylene (C3H6). Chemists who
develop new polymers set up polymerization reactions to link these small
molecules into much longer chains. The process happens in one of two ways,
either by addition or by condensation.
Typically, polymer chains that are not cross-linked are fairly free-moving and can
slide over each other. White glue, a mixture of the polymer polyvinyl acetate and
water, is free-flowing in its non-cross-linked form. When a solution of sodium
borate, however, is added to the glue, it cross-links the polyvinyl acetate chains
and produces a much more rigid material that can be formed into a ball that
bounces, or be pulled apart into a long strand. Cross-linking adds rigidity and
strength to polymeric materials, making them useful for a wide variety of
products.
Name: _________________ Block: ______ Date: ________________
10. In your opinion, what are the three most important polymer laboratory
tests? Explain why you believe each is important.
11. What is the main raw material used in the development of polymers?
13. How are polymer properties related to the structure and composition of
polymers? Explain using two examples.
15. In your opinion, what is the most important concept about polymers?