Polymers
Carbon-based compounds
• Chain of H-C molecules. Each repeat unit of H-C is a monomer e.g. ethylene (C2H4), Polyethylene – (–CH2 –CH2)n.
• Polymers include the familiar plastic and rubber materials.
• Many of them are organic compounds that are chemically based on carbon, hydrogen, and other nonmetallic elements (viz. O, N, and Si).
• They have very large molecular structures, often chain-like in nature that have a backbone of carbon atoms. Some of the common and familiar polymers are polyethylene (PE), nylon, poly (vinyl chloride)(PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and silicone rubber.
Properties of polymers
• Low densities, not as stiff nor as strong as ceramics and metals.
• Extremely ductile and pliable (i.e., plastic).
• Relatively inert chemically and unreactive in a large number of environments.
Limitations of polymers
• Tendency to soften and/or decompose at modest temperatures, which, in some instances,limits their use.
• Low electrical conductivities and are nonmagnetic.
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