Natural and Synthetic Polymers — Definition

Definition

Imagine you have many small, identical building blocks. If you connect these building blocks together in a long chain, you create a much larger structure. In chemistry, these small building blocks are called 'monomers,' and the long chain they form is called a 'polymer.

' The word 'polymer' comes from Greek, where 'poly' means 'many' and 'meros' means 'parts.' So, a polymer is essentially a 'many-part' molecule. These polymers are giant molecules, also known as macromolecules, because they have very high molecular masses, often ranging from $10^3$ to $10^7$ atomic mass units (amu).

The process of joining these monomers to form a polymer is called 'polymerization.' This process can happen in different ways, leading to different types of polymers with unique properties. For example, if you link many ethene molecules (monomers) together, you get polyethylene (a polymer), which is used to make plastic bags and bottles.

Polymers are all around us and are crucial for life itself. We can broadly classify them based on where they come from, or their 'origin,' into two main categories:

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Natural Polymers: — As the name suggests, these polymers are found naturally. They are produced by living organisms – plants and animals. Think about the clothes you wear (cotton, wool, silk), the food you eat (proteins, carbohydrates like starch and cellulose), and even the genetic material inside your cells (DNA and RNA). All these are examples of natural polymers. They play vital roles in biological systems, performing functions like structural support, energy storage, and genetic information transfer. Natural rubber, obtained from rubber trees, is another excellent example.

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Synthetic Polymers: — These are man-made polymers. Scientists and engineers design and create them in laboratories and factories to have specific properties that are useful for various applications. They are not found in nature. Plastics like polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polyester, and synthetic rubbers like Buna-S are all synthetic polymers. They have revolutionized industries, leading to the development of countless products, from packaging materials and textiles to medical devices and automotive parts. Synthetic polymers are often designed to be durable, lightweight, and resistant to degradation, making them incredibly versatile.

Understanding this fundamental distinction between natural and synthetic polymers is key to appreciating their chemistry, properties, and their immense impact on both the natural world and human society.