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Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
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Plasticizers01:31

Plasticizers

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Water-reducers, or plasticizers, are chemical admixtures used in concrete to improve strength and workability. These additives reduce the water-cement ratio without compromising workability, lower the cement content while maintaining the same workability, or increase workability to assist concrete placement in inaccessible areas.
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Polymers02:34

Polymers

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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...
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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

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Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
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Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

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Microplastics Originating from Polymer Blends: An Emerging Threat?

Xin-Feng Wei1, Fritjof Nilsson1, Haiyan Yin2

  • 1Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.

Environmental Science & Technology
|March 18, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Polymer blends are a significant, understudied source of microplastics. Their fragmentation releases vast numbers of microplastic particles into the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Growing global environmental concerns regarding microplastic pollution in food, water, and soil.
  • Microplastics impact ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
  • Polymer blends represent a previously uninvestigated source of microplastics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the substantial microplastic release risk associated with polymer blends.
  • To draw attention to polymer blends as a significant environmental concern.
  • To inform the public and academic community about microplastic risks from polymer blends.

Main Methods:

  • This feature article is primarily a review and synthesis of existing knowledge and potential risks.
  • It focuses on the theoretical potential for microplastic release based on material properties.
  • Analysis of fragmentation mechanisms and release factors in polymer blends.

Main Results:

  • A single gram of polymer blend can contain millions to billions of micrometer-sized species.
  • Aging-induced fragmentation of polymer blends can lead to massive microplastic release.
  • Microplastic migration risk is elevated when the dispersed phase is more stable than the matrix, especially with biodegradable matrices.

Conclusions:

  • Polymer blends pose a significant and overlooked risk for microplastic pollution.
  • The development, production, use, and disposal of polymer blends require careful consideration due to microplastic release potential.
  • Further research and public awareness are crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of microplastics from polymer blends.