





Polymers. The word "Polymer" is derived from two Greek words, 'Poly' that means many (numerous) and 'Mer' which means units. In basic terms, a polymer is a long-chain molecule that is composed of a large number of repeating units of identical structure. These identical structures, we understand as a unit made up of two or more molecules, join …



Polymers are substances composed of macromolecules, very large molecules with molecular weights ranging from a few thousand to as high as millions of grams/mole. The IUPAC Gold Book definition of a macromolecule is: "A molecule of high relative molecular mass, the structure of which essentially comprises the multiple repetition of units ...







































Updated on June 26, 2019. A monomer is a type of molecule that has the ability to chemically bond with other molecules in a long chain; a polymer is a chain of an unspecified number of monomers. Essentially, monomers are the building blocks of polymers, which are more complex type of molecules. Monomers—repeating molecular units—are ...



A polymer is analogous to a necklace made from many small beads (monomers). A chemical reaction forming polymers from monomers is called polymerization, of which there are many types. A common name for many synthetic polymer materials is plastic, which comes from the Greek word "plastikos", suitable for molding or shaping.


