POLYMERS: Part 1(Basics for beginners)

Let's start from the beginning. ?“Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating units called monomer”. I would recommend you to check this video as it helps you explore and get excited to this field:

The polymer party must have been really nice start for beginners. Application area for polymers are enormous?i.e Polymers are everywhere, including in things you might not expect(as you have seen through above the video).

Well I am listing some of the application areas for you: Soccer/shorts/shirt/Toys/Pudding/desserts/cake/Pen/Flowerpot/Astroturf/Boots/Velcro/Basketball/iPod/Panty hose/Roller blades/Fishing rod/Watch/Credit card/Frozen foods/Jelly/jam/Dish pan/Stereo/Thermos/Tennis ball/Air freshener/Artificial flowers/Salad dressing/Bubble gum/Tennis racquet/Contact lenses/Wet suit/Football pads/hair/table/Swim fins/Frisbee/Paint/Shin guards/Balloons/Eye glasses/Raincoat/windbreaker/Carpeting/Teflon cookware/Hair spray/Sunscreen/Snorkel/Nerf ball/Umbrella/Disposable diapers/Telephone/Straws/Silly Putty/Tape/Fast food container/Cosmetics/Nail polish/Comb/brush/Lunch box/Rubber bands/Lawn chair/Gravy/Super glue/CDs/Computer/Automobile/Bicycle/Shoe strings/Tennis shoes/Plastic fork/spoon/Shampoo/Insulated cups/2 liter soda bottle/Plastic bags Etc.,. William Shedd wisely said:

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for"

Therefore I would recommend you do a small activity for further enhancing your knowledge to grasp the depth of the subject :

1. Divide all the above listed items based on the various types of polymers?(divide them into a subcategory of Plastics, Rubbers , Fibers, Paints)

2. Try finding which particular polymer is used in each application (ex. our ATM card are made from plastic resin called polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVCA))?

3.Why is that(answer from 2nd question) particular more suitable over other?

I am quite sure while going through this exercise must have broaden your understanding of Polymers and its derivatives for sure. I can assure that finding answers are not so difficult these days as google is our buddy. It's indeed simple, but thats the point. It's little more than what we learned as kids, and thats what really matters at the moment.

Grey is not a substitute for black and white.Hence, do wait till I share the answers in the future article.