What Are Some of Classification of Polymers on The Basis of Origin

Classification of polymers on the basis of origin is a general subdivision of polymers classification. There are three main types of polymers: natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic; which may be further subdivided into biopolymers, thermoplastics and thermosets on the basis of origin and their chemical composition.

1. Natural Polymers

This is class of polymers which are formed in natural conditions without any extra or direct synthesis. These types of polymers are the most common one in polymer industry and are widely used in the production of various plastic articles such as synthetic fibers, films, rubber, etc.

2. Synthetic Polymers

This is class of polymers formed by chemical reactions between two or more monomers by addition polymerization and elimination reactions. Through these reactions synthetic polymers can be produced from inexpensive starting materials having similar properties as those of natural polymers. During the polymerisation process monomers form new bonds between themselves and with other monomers forming long chains which give a certain degree of crystallinity to the resulting polymer chain. The principal chemical property that determines their properties is crystallinity (i.e. whether the polymer is crystalline or amorphous).

3. Semi-synthetic Polymers

These are a subclass of synthetic polymers where one or more monomers are biodegradable. These polymers include poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(caprolactones), etc. These type of polymers can be formed by a physical process called fermentation from naturally occurring monomers called lactic and glycolic acids, respectively. After degradation of these monomers by bacterial ferment into their component parts a polymer is formed which can be further processed as a semi-synthetic polymer such as a plastic, rubber or film etc.

4. Thermoplastic Polymers

These are a subclass of synthetic polymers where the polymer chain is not totally amorphous (i.e., crystalline), but in which some of the polymer chains are crystalline and others are amorphous. After physical processing these materials can be converted into thermoset plastics by chemical reaction with a second polymer chain called cross-linking agent in which they form an irreversible link with the other chain after process completion. Thermoplastic polymers include poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl chloride) and various types of thermoplastics such as ABS, PVC, PCT, etc. Therefore this is another classification of polymers on the basis of origin.

5. Thermosets

They are a subclass of synthetic polymers which are formed in the reaction zone between two or more thermoplastic polymers after chemical cross-linking reaction. Some examples of thermosets include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, melamine-urethane resins and so on.

6. Biopolymers

This anothr classification of polymers on the basis of origin. These are a class of polymers which is produced from living organisms such as proteins, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), starch and cellulose as well as naturally occurring compounds like carbohydrates (like starch etc.) and lipids (fatty acids etc.). These are biodegradable and are of great significance in the development of renewable raw materials.

Benefits of polymers

1. One of the most common uses of polymers is in packaging and containers. With polymers plastic bags, bottles and containers are almost everywhere. Plastic bags are used for carrying foods from grocery stores to homes, and have replaced paper bags, tin cans and glass jars. It has no smell but does not retain moisture well so it needs to be frequently replaced.
This type of packaging is highly recyclable and has a high recycling ratio.

2. Polymers are used in the production of many other products such as automobiles, synthetic fibers like rayon, wool etc., perfumes, household appliances including home electronics like dishwashers and refrigerators etc. It is also used in the production of many sports goods such as tennis rackets, cricket bats, hockey sticks and other types of sports equipment.

3. Polymers are also used in the food industry as a thickening agent and to keep food products fresh. Many polymers have been developed that are used to preserve and store food such as polyolefins (plastic) and Styrofoam. Many packages made of polyolefin are lined with a thin layer of aluminum or another type of metallic coating to make them impermeable to oxygen, dark-colored plastics may contain dyes which can leach into foods. Several other types of packaging are being designed and developed for use in the food industry which do not have these problems.

4. Polymers are also used in the medical field to make artificial blood. Because plastic blood is sterile, if it is diluted it could be used to safely clot milk, and re-used several times. Polymer materials can be found in a variety of industrial applications that provide additional benefits for the environment. Polymers are being used to replace raw materia