What is Polymer? How they are classified?
Introduction: Polymers are macromolecules having high molecular weights and are composed of smaller repeating units called monomers. The term polymer is derived from the Greek root 'poly' means 'many' and 'meros' means 'parts'. Monomers are small and simple molecules and have the capacity of forming two chemical bonds with two other monomers. The functionality of monomers depends upon the number of bonding sites in monomers. DNA in a human body, proteins, muscles, nerve fibers, nails, hairs, etc. are all polymers. Carbohydrates have important functions in biological systems. The toys of our children are plastic polymers. Classification: There are various ways to classify polymers based on source, structure, mode of forming, molecular forces, etc. classification based on source: Polymers are classified into three subclasses as given below, Natural polymers: These polymers are obtained either from plants or animals and are named plant polymers and anim...