As the rapid increase in demand for the manufactured products introduce the new materials ,that is polymers ,which exist in our daily life.
Since polymers come from petroleum, such as thermoplastics and thermosets, thus they are considered as plastics material by many people. But we here say No!
It is the fact that all polymers may be not plastics ,however, all plastics are considered polymers because all plastics contain repeating units of chains of molecules derived from petroleum
Products made from polymer material are very common in all aspect of our daily life ,for example the clothing ,they are made from synthetic fibers, polyethylene cups, fiberglass, nylon bearings, plastic bags, polymer-based paints, epoxy glue, polyurethane foam cushion, silicone heart valves, and Teflon-coated cookware and many other products .
From the plastic in your phone case to the rubber in your tires and even the DNA in your cells—polymers are everywhere. But what exactly is a polymer, and why are they so important?
What Is a Polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating smaller units called monomers. These material are chemically bonded together in long chains, which give polymers unique properties—like flexibility, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
There are many types of Polymers,including Polymers are generally divided into two main categories; Natural Polymers: These occur in nature and include materials like; Cellulose (in plants) ; Proteins (in living organisms) ; DNA and RNA (genetic materials) ; Natural rubber
; Polyethylene (used in plastic bags) ; Nylon (used in fabrics) ; Polystyrene (used in packaging) ;Silicone (used in sealants and medical devices) and etc.
Why Are Polymers Important for our Life?
Polymers are widely used advanced materials, which are found almost in every material used in nearly every industry,including:
* Packaging: Lightweight and durable plastics
* Automotive: Impact-resistant and heat-tolerant materials
* Medical: Biocompatible implants and drug delivery systems
* Electronics: Insulating layers and flexible components
They are also at the forefront of innovation, from biodegradable plastics to conductive polymers used in flexible electronics.
How Are Polymers Processed?
In industries like rubber, plastics, and ceramics, processing polymers often involves precise mixing and kneading. Equipment like dispersion kneaders and twin-screw extruders help blend raw materials with additives, control viscosity, and ensure homogeneity.
Thus ,In summary , polymers are versatile, powerful materials that form the backbone of countless modern products. Whether natural or synthetic, they continue to drive technological advancement and improve everyday life.
Want to know how Simptek’s mixers and kneaders help in polymer processing? Contact us at judeon@labkneader.com or call +86-15976867748.