Table of contentsNatural polymersSynthetic polymerUses of polymersThe term "polymer" is made up of two words (polus, meaning "many, many") and (meros, meaning "parts"), and refers to a molecule whose structure is composed of multiple repeating units, from which a high relative molecular mass characteristic arises. The units that make up these polymers are called polymers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayPolymerization is of two types:Addition polymerizationCondensation polymerization or step growth polymerization.Addition polymerization:Addition polymerization occurs due to an addition reaction when monomers bond together without losing any atom. This occurs with monomers having double bonds. During the reaction, the double bonds open, creating a long, continuous chain of polymer. Addition polymerization is widely used in chemical industries to create synthetic polymers like polyethylene (used in food packaging and plastic bag manufacturing). Condensation polymerization: Condensation polymerization occurs when monomers unite but with the removal of a byproduct (usually water). ). A good example of condensation polymerization is the polymerization of nylon from monomers with carboxylic acids and basic amines. The reaction creates a bond between each monomer and produces water as a byproduct and is used to produce nylon fibers for clothing. Types of Polymers: Polymers are of two types; natural and synthetic polymers.Natural PolymersNatural polymers come naturally from plants and other renewable resources. Natural polymers include amber, wool, silk, rubber, cellulose, proteins, etc. The most common natural polymer is DNA, which is the most fundamental constituent of the human body. The DNA molecule is made up of monomers called nucleotides. The monomers are linked by condensation reaction so that many nucleotides are linked in a chain to form the DNA polymer molecule. All natural polymers are environmentally friendly and very important in our lives. Synthetic PolymersSynthetic polymers are artificial polymers. They are classified into four main categories: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and synthetic fibers. They are commonly found in consumer products such as plastic bags, electrical appliances, pipes, super glue, etc. Some of the most common synthetic polymers include Bakelite, Nylon, Neoprene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, LDPE, HDPE, etc. Synthetic polymers are not biodegradable. . This means that they cannot be broken down by microorganisms and can therefore remain in waste for many years, causing pollution. Uses of Polymers Natural and artificial polymers are used in our daily lives. Natural polymers like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids are all essential parts of our diet and should be consumed regularly. Cellulose is the main component in the manufacture of wood and paper. Cellulose is also used as a raw material for the manufacture of plastics. Silk and wool are used to make clothes for us.Keep in mind: this is just a sample.Get a custom paper now..