Polymers are large molecules created by bonding similar constituent molecules. They can be natural or synthetic and have many uses, including wood-like polymer, shellac, rubber, and plastics. Nucleic acids and proteins are also polymers. Silicones are synthetic polymers, and plastics can be organic or synthetic.
Polymers comprise a broad category of large molecules created by the bonding of many similar constituent molecules. There are many different types of polymer materials, including cellulose, natural or biopolymers, silicones, and plastics. Polymeric materials are often created or harvested for a specific purpose depending on the type. Many polymeric materials are natural, existing in biological entities, and have been in use for many years. Others are synthetic, created through chemical or industrial processes to perform certain functions.
Cellulose is typically found in wood and plants as a natural part of these materials. Once derived, it can be used to make products such as fibreboard, paper and cellophane. Polymer wood, for example, is typically created using cellulose and similar materials to achieve a specific strength or texture. Even cellulose-containing polymers can be considered dietary fiber when consumed by humans and can provide important food for creatures such as termites.
Other natural polymers have been in use for a long time. Examples include shellac, gum and amber. Shellac is usually derived from the secretions of a specific insect and is often used as a wood finish. Rubber is often derived from natural latex and can be further refined to make many products. Amber is generally formed from fossilized tree resin and has been used for many years as decoration, medicine and jewelry.
Just like polymeric materials made from plants or insects, nucleic acids and proteins are also considered polymers. More specifically, they are considered biopolymers because they are produced by organisms. Like other polymeric materials, nucleic acids are made up of repeating molecular chains. Combinations of these acids typically become the biopolymer proteins used to build most organisms.
Silicones, on the other hand, are considered synthetic polymeric materials that typically consist of silicon combined with carbon, oxygen or hydrogen to create new materials. These polymers have many uses, depending on the configuration of the molecular chain, but those uses can include toys, plumbing materials, and lubricants. There are many polymeric materials based on the combination of silicon with other elements.
Plastics are polymers that can be organic-based or almost entirely synthetic. Polymeric materials considered plastic are generally regarded as important in modern life, and many materials and products would not exist without plastic materials. Examples of these polymers can include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon and polystyrene. Most plastic polymer materials have a high molecular mass, which gives related products stiffness and plasticity.
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