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Polymer | Short Notes, Usage, Types, Important Facts | For UPSC State PSC and Competitive Exam

What is Polymer?

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units known as monomers. Many monomer units combine to form a large single unit called a polymer. 

For example, Cellulose is a Polymer made of many Glucose ( Monomers).

Cellulose= Glucose + Glucose + Glucose + Glucose + ----.


The following are some examples of Polymers and their Monomers:

List -I:                                              List II 

(Polymer) :                                ( Monomers)

Cellulose/ Starch/Glycogen:     Glucose

DNA/RNA:                                 Nucleotide

Protein:                                         Amino Acids

Natural Rubber:                             Isoprene

Synthetic Rubber (Neoprene):     Chloroprene

PVC:                                             Vinyl Chloride

Polythene:                                     Ethene

Teflon:                                            TetraFluoroethene

Bakelite:                                         Phenol + Formaldehyde


Important Facts on Polymer:

  • DNA or RNA is Polynucleotide Sachharide.
  • Protein is a polypeptide of Amino Acids.
  • Starch, Glycogen, or Cellulose are Polysaccharides of Glucose.
  • Plants store their food in the form of Starch.
  • Glycogen is the storage of polysaccharides in animals. 
  • Cellulose is mainly found in plant cells. 


Bulletproof Polymer:

Kevlar and Lexan are two important polymers used in Bulletproof objects.

Polyamides ( Kevlar ) are used in making bulletproof vests.

Polycarbonates ( Lexan) are used for making bulletproof windows.

 

Non-Stick Cookware:

Teflon ( Thermoplastic) is used in making non-stick cookware.


Fire Proof Polymers:

Melamine ( Thermosetting Plastic) is used in making fireproof jackets, microwave utensils, and fireproof wire.


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