when a small repeating sub unit chemically linked together to form new compound the resulting compound will called a polymer.
Characteristics of polymer
polymers are known for their following characteristics
- high molecular weight
- Low density:
- Flexibility:
- Thermal stability:
- Chemical resistance:
- Electrical insulation
- Transparency:
- Biodegradability:
High molecular weight:
The molecular weight of polymers are high, which make long-chain and large molecules.
Low density:
The density of polymer is low,as a result the polymers have lightweight and easy to handle.
Flexibility:
Showing flexibility is important characteristics of polymer and are very useful where deformation and recovery are important.
Thermal stability:
Polymer can show heat resistivity when the temperature of the system rise which is an important characteristics of it.
Chemical resistance:
Polymers have characteristics of showing resistance to many chemicals, including
- Acids
- Bases
- and organic solvents.
Electrical insulation:
Many polymers are outstanding electrical insulators, which made them useful in applications where electrical conductivity requires to be minimized.
Transparency:
Some polymers are highly transparent and have good optical properties,which is quite to used where clarity and light transmission are important.
Biodegradability:
Some polymers have the ability to torn down naturally in the atmospere, which is an important property of polymer.
