Classification Of Polymers Based On The Source Of Availability

Polymers are large molecules that are composed of small, repeating units called monomers. Polymers can be either natural or synthetic. Polymers are found in both living organisms and nonliving things. Polymers can be derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources. They can also be synthesized from small molecules through a process called polymerization.

Polymers have a wide range of applications. They can be used to make plastics, textiles, adhesives, and much more. Polymers are also an important part of many biological processes, such as DNA replication and protein synthesis. It also helps to form the cell walls of plants.

Classification of Polymers

Polymers can be classified in many ways, but one of the most common ways is by the source of their availability. There are three main sources of polymers: natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic.

Natural Polymers

Natural polymers are composed of small molecules, called monomers, which can be joined together to form long chains. These long chains can be linear or branched, and they can be either natural or synthetic. Natural polymers include carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates are the most abundant type of polymer in nature. They are composed of monomers called saccharides (sugar units). Carbohydrates perform many important functions in living organisms, including providing energy and serving as structural components.

Proteins are another type of natural polymer. They are composed of monomers called amino acids, which are joined together by a type of bond called a peptide bond. Proteins play many vital roles in the body, including performing biochemical reactions, transporting molecules, and providing structure.

Nucleic acids are another type of natural polymer. They are composed of monomers called nucleotides, which are joined together by a type of bond called a phosphodiester bond. Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.

All three types of natural polymer (carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids) are essential to life. These are also the most common polymers in the world.

Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are human-made polymers. They are composed of small molecules, called monomers, which can be joined together to form long chains. These long chains can be linear or branched, and they can be either natural or synthetic. Synthetic polymers include plastics, rubbers, and fibers.

Plastics are the most common synthetic polymers. They are made from petroleum products and are used to make a variety of objects, including bottles, toys, and packaging.

Rubbers are another type of synthetic polymer. They are made from natural rubber latex, which is a milky sap that comes from certain trees. Rubbers are used to make tires, gloves, and other elastic materials.

Fibers are synthetic polymers that are often used in clothing. They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, or plastic. Common types of fibers include nylon, polyester, and acrylic.

Synthetic polymers have many advantages over natural polymers. They can be designed to have specific properties, such as being strong or flexible. They can also be made in large quantities at a relatively low cost. However, synthetic polymers can also have some disadvantages. They can be difficult to break down and recycle, and they can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly.

Semi-Synthetic Polymers

Semi-synthetic polymers are a type of plastic that is made from both natural and synthetic materials. These types of polymers are often used in medical applications because they are biocompatible, meaning they will not cause an immune reaction when they come into contact with human tissue. Semi-synthetic polymers are also resistant to degradation, meaning they will not break down over time.

These types of polymers are created by first extracting a natural polymer from an animal or plant source. This polymer is then combined with synthetic monomers to create a new type of polymer. The most common semi-synthetic polymer is polyurethane, which is often used in medical implants such as artificial joints and heart valves.

Semi-synthetic polymers offer the best of both worlds when it comes to plastic materials. They are strong and durable like synthetic polymers, but they are also biocompatible like natural polymers. This makes them ideal for use in many different types of medical applications.

Conclusion

Polymers are classified based on their source of availability as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural polymers are biodegradable but less stable, while synthetic polymers are more stable but not biodegradable. The most common type of polymer is synthetic polymer due to its lower cost and higher stability. However, natural polymers are becoming more popular as they are usually biodegradable and more environmentally friendly. Lastly, there is a third type of polymer known as semi-synthetic which is made from both natural and synthetic materials. An example of a semi-synthetic polymer is nylon.