Polymer chemistry

Polymer chemistry (also called macromolecular chemistry) is the science of chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers or macromolecules.^[1] According to IUPAC recommendations,^[2][3] macromolecules refer to the individual molecular chains and are the domain of chemistry. Polymers describe the bulk properties of polymer materials and belong to the field of polymer physics (a part of physics).

The different kinds of macromolecules include:

• Biopolymers produced by living organisms:
  • structural proteins: collagen, keratin, elastin and others
  • chemically functional proteins: enzymes, hormones, transport proteins and others
  • structural polysaccharides: cellulose, chitin and others
  • storage polysaccharides: starch, glycogen and others
  • nucleic acids: DNA, RNA
• Synthetic polymers used for plastics—fibers, paints, building materials, furniture, mechanical parts, adhesives:
  • thermoplastics: polyethylene, Teflon, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, rayon, celluloid, silicone and others
  • thermosetting plastics: vulcanized rubber, Bakelite, Kevlar, epoxy and others.

Polymers are formed by polymerization of monomers. Chemists describe a polymer by its degree of polymerization, molar mass distribution, tacticity, copolymer distribution, the degree of branching, by its end-groups, crosslinks, and crystallinity. Chemists also study a polymer's thermal properties such as its glass transition temperature and melting temperature. Polymers in solution have special characteristics for solubility, viscosity and gelation.

1. ↑ Ravve, Abe (2000). Principles of Polymer Chemistry (Second ed.). Plenum Publishing. ISBN 9780306463686.
2. ↑ "Macromolecule". IUPAC. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
3. ↑ "Polymer". IUPAC. Retrieved 2011-09-05.