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Polymer

Definition

The term ‘polymer’ refers to chemical compounds consisting of chain or branched molecules (macromolecules), which in turn consist of a large number of identical or similar units, known as monomers (see Weblinks). Polymers are substances (macromolecules) whose molecular weights are in an integer ratio to each other with the same percentage atomic composition and have the same internal structure [1].

Synthetic polymers are generally referred to as ‘plastics’. Plastics are produced through a manufacturing process in which a polymer (raw material) is combined with additives and processed using heat and/or pressure to form a moulding compound, which is then further processed into a polymer material.

Classification of polymers

Polymers are classified according to the degree of cross-linking of the macromolecules. A distinction is made between thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers, thermosets and elastomers. Thermoplastic elastomers are sometimes classified as a separate group of materials due to their mechanical behaviour in the operating temperature range.

Polymers can be classified according to the number of monomers (basic monomers) into:

homopolymers

→ The polymer consists only of a monomer unit.

Example: polyethylene (abbreviation: PE)

polypropylene (abbreviation: PP)

polyamide (abbreviation: PA)

poly(vinyl chloride) (abbreviation: PVC)

copolymers

→ The structure consists of two or more monomer units.

Example: acrylnitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (abbreviation: ABS)

polyurethane (abbreviation: PUR)

polyester

polyamide 66 (abbreviation: PA 66)

ethylene–propylene–random copolymer

polymer mixtures (polymer alloys, polymer blends)

→ Blends of different polymers and copolymers.

Example: PE/PP

PP/EPR

PA6/PA66

Polymers are further classified according to their state of order into

morphous polymers (unordered) and
semi-crystalline polymers (partially ordered).

From monomer to polymer

The transition from monomer to polymer occurs via so-called formation reactions or polyreactions, which take place under the condition of reactive monomers after the double bonds between two carbon atoms are broken or through ring cleavage. Depending on the type of chemical reactions that take place, these are divided into three classes:

Chain polymerisation (polymerisation)
Condensation polymerisation (polycondensation)
Addition polymerisation (polyaddition)

Polymers made from monomers of different structures are called heteropolymers or copolymers (see above). In most plastics, the polymer backbone is formed from carbon chains.

Naming of polymers and plastics

There are corresponding DIN and ISO standards for the designation of polymers and plastics. ISO 1043 [2] defines identification letters and abbreviations for polymers and their properties. Rubber and latices are designated with abbreviations according to ISO 1629 [3]. The definition of plastic moulding compounds is based on DIN 7708 [4].

Weblinks

Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopedia: Polymer

[1]	Kaiser, W.: Kunststoffchemie für Ingenieure. Carl Hanser, Munich Vienna (2006) pp. 30–31 (ISBN 3-446-22069-0; see AMK-Library under N 12)
[2]	ISO 1043: Plastics – Symbols and Abbreviated Terms Part 1 (2011-11): Basic Polymers and their Special Characteristics (AMD 1: 2016-04 – New Symbol ST for Syndiotactic) Part 2 (2011-11): Fillers and Reinforcing Material Part 3 (2016-10): Plasticizers Part 4 (2021-07): Flame Retardants
[3]	ISO 1629 (2025-04): Rubber and Latices – Nomenclature
[4]	DIN 7708-1 (1980-12): Plastic Moulding Materials Plastic Products – Concepts (withdrawn)