Polymers

POLYMERS

The word ‘polymer’ comes from two Greek words; poly meaning many and mer meaning part/unit. So, a polymer is made of many repeating units.
Synthetic polymers are formed by chemical reactions in which a large number of molecules called monomers are joined sequentially, forming a chain.
Polymers also occur naturally. Some of the naturally occurring polymers are: proteins, starches, cellulose, and latex.
Wood and stems of plants are made up of the polymer called cellulose.
Cellulose is also what makes fibers like cotton and hemp which can be twisted into threads and weaved into clothing.
Starch is also one of the naturally occurring polymers. It is found in Potatoes, corn, rice, and grains.
The monomer unit of both Starch and Cellulose is glucose.
Fibres are drawn out into long threads or filaments, usually by spinning methods.