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Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers

Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

Polymers that are made up of identical monomer units are called homopolymers. Only one repeating unit is involved in the construction of the homopolymer structure. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, polypropylene is a homopolymer constituted of propylene monomers. Here, the only repeating unit in the polymer chain is propylene.

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water

Published on: August 2, 2012

Functional supramolecular polymers.

T Aida¹, E W Meijer, S I Stupp

¹Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|February 21, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Supramolecular polymers offer unique properties like self-healing and recyclability, bridging the gap between plastics and elastomers. Their ordered structures also enable novel biological and electronic functions.

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Area of Science:

Polymer Science
Materials Science
Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

Supramolecular polymers exhibit properties of plastics and elastomers.
They possess reversible monomer-to-polymer transitions enabling processability, recycling, and self-healing.
These polymers can form ordered filaments through self-assembly of designed subunits.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the diverse mechanical properties and dynamic behaviors of supramolecular polymers.
To highlight the potential of strong, directional interactions in creating ordered polymer structures.
To discuss the biomimetic and functional applications of these advanced materials.

Main Methods:

Utilizing reversible monomer-to-polymer transitions for polymer formation.
Employing self-assembly of designed subunits to create ordered structures.
Investigating strong and directional intermolecular interactions.

Main Results:

Supramolecular polymers can exist as random coils or highly ordered filaments.
Reversible transitions facilitate enhanced processability, recyclability, and self-healing.
Designed subunits and strong interactions lead to dynamic behavior and high internal order.

Conclusions:

Supramolecular polymers offer a versatile platform with tunable properties.
Their ordered structures mimic biological systems like the cytoskeleton.
Potential applications span biological functions and electronic devices.