| The
word polymer literally means "many parts". Derived from
the Greek words "polys" meaning many and "meros"
meaning part, polymer is a term used to describe large molecules
consisting of repeating structural units, or monomers, connected
by covalent chemical bonds.
Two
industrially important polymeric materials are plastics and elastomers.
Plastics are a large varied group of synthetic materials which
are processed by forming or molding into shape. Plastics can be
divided into two classes, thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics,
depending on how they are structurally and chemically bonded.
Elastomers, or rubbers, can be elastically deformed by a large
amount when a force is applied to them and can return to their
original shape (or almost) when the force is released. (Taken
from Principles of Materials Science & Engineering, William
.F. Smith. McGraw Hill,Inc.,New York)
Polymers
can be found everywhere in our life. Some examples are modern
telecommunications equipment, LCD (liquid crystal display) devices,
ski boots, and luggage cases.
Clemson's
School of Materials Science & Engineering offers undergraduates
and graduate degree options in Polymer Fiber Chemistry (PFC) and
Polymer Fiber Science (PFS).
|
Polymers