Chapter 38 – Polymers

Publisher Summary This chapter reveals that polymers are high-molecular-weight substances produced from a variety of identical or similar low molecular units. The characteristics and specific physical and chemical properties of polymers are a function of the type of polymers from which they are produced. The typical properties of the various polymers, however, are a function of the monomers and the additives used to modify the plastics materials.Additives are, for example, stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, and catalysts. Polymers are differentiated according to their production methods into polymerisates polycondensates, and polyadducts. Polymers are differentiated according to their properties into thermoplasts, duroplasts, and elastomeres. Natural polymers for technical use are wood, cotton, and wool.