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Polymers

Inter-molecular bonds: Covalent and Van der Waals or Hydrogen.

Properties

  • Has a repeating structure
  • lightweight
  • corrosion-resistant
  • easy to process at low temperatures
  • generally inexpensive
  • generally low strength
  • generally high toughness
  • good heat, electrical insulators (but conductive polymers exist)

Examples

Plastics

  • Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
  • Polyethylene / Polythene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • Polypropylene
    used in kitchen-were
  • Polymethylmethacrylite (PMMA) Perspex
    It’s transparent and lightweight. Used in aircraft windows and contact lenses.
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Teflon

Rubber

  • Polyisoprene / Natural rubber
  • Styrenebutadiene rubber (SBR)