Essay On Polymers

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INTRODUCTION

What is polymer?
The term name of polymer came from ancient greek, poly and mers meaning many parts. Polymer consist a very large molecule comprising hundreds or thousands of atoms formed by successive linking of one or two, occasionally more, types of small molecule in chain or network structures. In Fig 1, this specific molecular structure (chainlike structure) of polymeric materials is responsible for their intriguing mechanical properties. Polymer architecture can vary.

Figure 1: A polymer chain.

In Fig 2 three possible molecule architectures are depicted. A linear polymer consists of along chain of monomers. A branched polymer has branches covalently attached to the main chain. Cross-linked polymers have monomers
POLYMER PROPERTIES / BEHAVIOR There is several properties analysis of polymer. In this topic, we will discuss further the five polymer properties and behavior. Mechanical properties / Behavior. Thermal properties / Behavior. Melting properties / Behavior. Electrical properties / Behavior. Optical properties / Behavior

Mechanical properties / Behavior
The mechanical properties of a polymer involve its behavior under stress. These properties tell a polymer scientist or engineer many of the things he or she needs to know when considering how a polymer can be used. How strong is the polymer? How much can we stretch it before it breaks? How stiff is it? How much does it bend when push on it? Is it brittle? Does it break easily if hit it hard? Is it hard or soft? Does it hold up well under repeated stress? The mechanical properties of polymers are one of the features that distinguishes them from small molecules.

In figure 3.1 the tensile strength is the stress needed to break a sample. It is expressed in Pascals or psi (pounds per square inch). 1 MPa = 145 psi. The tensile strength is an important property for polymers that are going to be stretched. Fibers, for instance, must have good tensile strength.

Figure:

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