POLYMERS

Polymers, by definition are entities of many parts. In chemistry they constitute the elemental molecule in most materials in the human body and the environment. Proteins, lipids, sugars, tissues are some examples of polymers in our body; in the environment, we can mention wood, wax, starch, crab and turtle covers, oils and greases and so on. Artificially or synthetically, we can produce near any kind of type and structured materials, starting with the appropriate "monomers" that are "polymerized" or linked together to a predetermined length to obtain the desired qualities and properties. Some examples of these are the plastic bags obtained from Polyethylene, a plastic bottle obtained from Polypropylene or a textile fibre obtained from a Polyester or a Polyamide like Nylon. Other examples are polyacrylates and polyurethanes used in floor care finishes and waxes or varnishes, adhesives and paints. For a general definition on polymers and more applications, go to www.adhesivesmag.com and look in the May 2008 issue.