In the present chapter, we have discussed the classification of polymers,
structure, properties, fabrication process, and polymerization mechanism. Generally,
polymers are made up of a series of molecules joining together and the average
molecular weight of chains ranges from 10,000 to more than one million. The process
of chemically joining the monomers together to create giant molecules is called
polymerization. In polymers, atoms are joined together by a strong bond called
covalent bonding. Many of the polymers are organic (carbon-based polymers) and
inorganic (non-carbon based polymers like polysiloxanes, polyphosphazene,
polysilanes, etc.).
Keywords: Addition and condensation polymerization, Bakelite, Branched and
cross-linking polymers, Classification, Homo and co-polymers, Linear,
Mechanisms, Molding techniques, Natural polymers, Nylon, Polymers, Properties
of polymers, Polyethylene, PVC, Poly propylene, Synthetic polymers, Tacticity,
Thermosetting and thermoplastics.
