Polymers in Brief
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A polymer is a large (macro) molecule
with a specific repeating structure
The structure of a polymer is denoted
using the smallest repeating unit:
…-X-Y-Z-X-Y-Z-X-Y-Z-X-Y-Z-X-Y-Z-X-Y-Z-…
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X Y Z
Polymer properties are dictated by
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The atoms within the chains
The bonding within the chains
The bonding between the chains
The shape of the chains
The size of the chains
n
The Effects of Molecular Weight
Gases / fuels
Solvents / fuels / oils
Paraffin waxes
Low-MW polyethylene
High-MW polyethylene
H
H
C
C
H
H
n
Polymer Microstructure
Polyethylene crystal structure
Injection-molded polypropylene
Core
Skin