Polymer plastics are materials made from Macromolecules (polymers), which are characterized by Chemical linking of many small molecules (monomers) are formed. The term polymer comes from the Greek and means "composed of many parts". Plastics are therefore synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerswhich can be specifically produced and varied in their structure and properties.
Organization and structure
Polymers consist of long chains that are made up of repeating Monomer units together. Depending on the chemical composition, degree of bonding and molecular structure, this results in very different material properties.
Important structural features are
- Chain architecture: linear, branched or cross-linked
- Crystallinity: amorphous (disordered) or semi-crystalline (ordered)
- Molecular weight: influences viscosity, strength and thermal stability
This variability makes plastics an extremely versatile class of materials.
Classification
Polymer plastics can be classified according to various criteria:
1. according to thermal behavior:
- Thermoplastics: soften when heated and are malleable (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC).
- Thermosets: are no longer fusible after curing (e.g. epoxy resins, phenolic resins).
- Elastomers: remain permanently elastic and stretchable (e.g. natural rubber, silicones).
2. by origin:
- Synthetic polymers: produced from petroleum products by chemical polymerization.
- Biopolymers: obtained from natural sources (e.g. starch, cellulose) or biotechnologically.
Properties
Polymer plastics are characterized by a variety of properties that make them ideal for a wide range of applications:
- Low density → Lightweight and easy to transport
- High chemical resistance against many media
- Electrical insulation capability
- Malleability and design freedom
- Favorable price-performance ratio
Depending on their composition, polymers can transparent, colored, flexible, rigid, heat-resistant or self-lubricating be.
Areas of application
Polymer plastics are indispensable in almost all areas of industry:
- Packaging industry (foils, bottles, containers)
- Automotive and aviation industry (lightweight components, seals, interior fittings)
- Medical technology (implants, tubes, syringes, membranes)
- Construction and electrical industry (cable insulation, insulating materials, pipes)
- Membrane and filtration technology (polymer membranes for ultrafiltration, nanofiltration or Reverse osmosis)
Summary
Polymer plastics are Versatile high-performance materialswhich can be adapted to almost any technical requirement through targeted molecular design. They have revolutionized modern industry, technology and everyday life.
At the same time Sustainability, recyclability and bio-based alternatives increasingly in focus in order to promote the use of polymer materials in the long term. more environmentally friendly design.
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