Polymer

A polymer is a macromolecule derived from the union of monomers or single molecules. They form long chains by joining to each other, being the base of materials, such as wood or leather. Given their importance, they have always been the object of study, managing to understand their composition and achieving artificial synthesis to obtain materials with specific electrical, mechanical, and physical properties.

Types of polymers

According to their origin

• Natural polymers
  There is a great diversity of polymers in nature forming proteins or rubber for example
• Semi-synthetic polymers
  Obtained through the transformation of natural polymers
• Synthetic polymers
  Obtained from the choice of monomers

According to their applications

• Elastomers
  Can be deformed under stress, recovering their initial shape. Ex: fluoropolymer
• Adhesives
  Allows two surfaces to be joined by means of adhesion and cohesion
• Fibers
  High flexibility, allowing for stable fabrics
• Plastics
  They offer a material that deforms without returning to the initial state
• Coatings
  Material that adheres to surfaces to obtain additional properties

According to its temperature behaviour

• Thermostable
  They offer stable materials in high temperature conditions. They are infusible and insoluble polymers that compact more when the temperature rises
• Thermoplastic
  They offer materials that can be deformed at high temperatures, they are flexible materials. When they cool down, they return to their initial state