Polymers as An Example of Chemistry Applications in Our Lives

Last Updated on June 20, 2022 by Mostafa

Chemistry is a natural science that has existed since ancient times. Chemistry applications in ancient civilizations have been linked to mining, dying, medicine, and glassmaking. civilizations, including the ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Indian, succeeded in using chemistry in practical ways in those fields, but they did not develop theoretical knowledge that could be considered a science.

The seventeenth century witnessed the beginning of modern chemistry, when Boyle conducted his research on the elements, Joseph Priestly recognized oxygen gas, Henry Cavendish discovered the composition of water, and John Dalton developed the modern atomic theory.

Chemistry is the science of matter and the study of the properties, structure, composition, behavior, interactions, and variables of matter. Chemistry is related to different branches of science, including physics, astronomy, geology, and biology.

In the present era, there are many chemistry applications in life. In this article, we will discuss one of the most important applications of chemistry in industry: polymers. Polymers play a very important role in many different industries because of their unique properties.

Try PraxiLabs Virtual Lab For FREE!

 

Polymers

A polymer is a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits. It could be Organic or inorganic, and it may be natural or artificial. Diamonds, graphite, garnet, feldspar, and talc are considered inorganic natural polymers, while proteins, cellulose, and starch are organic polymers. Synthetic polymers include concrete, boron nitride and many superconductors.

Despite its great importance in the current era, polymers have a negative impact on the environment that cannot be ignored, as it is not biodegradable. This is why it is considered a major form of environmental pollution, and it is getting worse each day.

There are various industrial uses of polymers. They are used in vehicles and airplanes for their light weight and durability compared to metals. This saves fuel consumption. They are also used in building materials, adhesives, ceramics, fibers, clothing and concrete.

Use of polymers in the automotive industry

Chemistry Applications

Carbon polymers are widely used in the manufacturing of next-generation lightweight, safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles. It is a type of fibre-reinforced plastic that has strong durability coupled with light weight, and it is formed from carbon fibre-reinforced polymers mixed with a hard plastic compound.

Try 3D Virtual Labs Now

 

Use of polymers in medical cosmetics

Artificial silicon skin is one of the most important future applications of polymers in the field of cosmetics. It will have the ability to fight aging, help tighten skin, and reduce wrinkles and periorbital puffiness. It can also be used by people who suffer from skin diseases such as eczema.

Using of polymers in plastics

Chemistry Applications

Crude oil in petrochemical plants is converted into monomers by breaking the bonds, then. these monomers are bonded into long chains, called polymers, and. the final product formation phase begins after the addition of materials such as that offer various supporting functions, including reinforcing, laminates, and plasticizers, to improve its properties. Plastic is used in many different industries the production of numerous products, including power cables, electronics, and household appliances, packaging and many other industries. It is also widely used in packaging.

The Future of Polymers

According to a recent study in the Science journal, scientists from Northwestern University have developed polymers with removable, recyclable and reusable parts that help reduce environmental pollution caused by chemistry applications of polymers.

Get Started Praxilabs For FREE

About Mostafa Elhashash

Mostafa Elhashash graduated from the faculty of science at Ainshams University. Now he is working as a content creator at PraxiLabs. In addition to his work in the digital marketing field, Mostafa also has a great passion for scientific research and science communication.