Some of the major applications of
polymers are:
Structural Polymers and Composites
Depending on chemical structure and processing,
synthetic polymers may be stiffer than steel, flexible
and highly elastic, or extremely tough. Fibers and
Textiles Polymers are easily oriented, forming high
strength fibers. Many fibers are natural polymers:
proteins (e.g. silk and wool) and carbohydrates (e.g.
cellulose); others are synthetic. Bullet-proof vests and
ultralight, utrastiff composites are examples of unique
polymer applications.
Packaging Materials and Coatings
Polymers
combine ease of processing and desirable mechanical
properties to be the material of choice.
Transparent and Optical Materials
Polymers
are used as windows, optical fibers, lenses, reflectors,
and transparent film packages.
Biological and Medical Materials
Many
examples include: dissolvable sutures, implants,
prosthetics, and drug delivery systems.
Fluid
Modifiers and Suspension Stabilizers
Solution
properties of polymers also are unique. Very small
amounts of polymer can significantly affect the
viscosity. For this reason, guar and other gums are
common ingredients in ice cream and other foods.
Similarly, many products employ unique solution
characteristics of polymers, including shampoo, engine
oil and super absorbent diapers. Undesirable separation
of paint and health care products is prevented through
the addition of a macromolecule, parts of which are
soluble, while other parts are insoluble. Similar
characteristics of proteins are essential for life. |
