How do you explain polymers to kids?

Polymers are very big molecules made up of many smaller molecules layered together in a repeating pattern. In fact, the word polymer is Greek for ‘many parts. ‘ The smaller molecules that come together to form polymers are called monomers–small units that link together over and over to form a large polymer.

What is branched polymer with example?

Branched chain polymers: The polymers made up of main chain(linear chain) with smaller chains as branches of main chain are called branched chain polymers. They have lower melting points, densities and tensile strength as compared to linear polymers. Example: Polypropylene.

What is branched polymer structure?

Branched polymers are defined as having secondary polymer chains linked to a primary backbone, resulting in a variety of polymer architectures such as star, H-shaped, pom-pom, and comb-shaped polymers.

What are linear and branched polymers?

Definition. Branched Polymer: A branched polymer is a macromolecule made from the polymerization of monomers and has a branched structure. Linear Polymer: A linear polymer is a macromolecule made out of many monomer units arranged in a straight line.

What is polymer in simple terms?

A polymer is any of a class of natural or synthetic substances composed of very large molecules, called macromolecules, which are multiples of simpler chemical units called monomers. Polymers make up many of the materials in living organisms and are the basis of many minerals and man-made materials.

What is meant by branched chain?

branched chain. noun. chem an open chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to itCompare straight chain.

What is chain branching?

Chain branching occurs when a linear polymer is e-beamed with a minimal dose, resulting in side chains being formed, as shown in the figure below. In contrast, crosslinked polymers contain a matrix of branches that connect polymer chains.

What is a branched molecule?

Branched: A molecule or polymer with a nonlinear backbone. Branches sprout from one or more atoms of the main skeleton (or from monomers along the chain of a polymer). 2,2-Dimethylhexane is a branched hydrocarbon. Octane is a linear hydrocarbon.

What is a polymer BBC Bitesize?

Polymers are made by chemical reactions that join lots of small molecules together to make long molecules. For example, a molecule of poly(ethene) is made by joining thousands of ethene molecules together. Long molecules like these give polymers their properties.

How are polymer chains formed?

Monomers join together to make polymer chains by forming covalent bonds—that is, by sharing electrons. Other bonds then hold the groups of chains together to form a polymer material.

What is a branched polymer?

For a polymer to classify as branched polymer the side chains or branches should comprise of a minimum of one complete monomer unit. One of the most common example is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and has applications ranging from plastic bags, containers, textiles, and electrical insulation, to coatings for packaging materials.

How do long chain branched polymers differ from linear polymers?

Long chain branched polymers generally have higher weight average molecular weights and broader molecular weight distributions compared with linear polymers synthesized at equivalent reaction conditions.

How does branching affect the properties of polymers?

The properties of polymers are strongly affected by their molecular weight and molecular weight distribution as well as by their chain architecture, particularly by the amount of branching. The effect of branching on the polymer properties depends on the number and length of the branches.

Do all dendrimers have highly branched polymer chains?

All dendrimers have highly branched polymer chains. The fist, the binary nanosystem Polymer/AgNPs was synthesized in anionic branched polymer matrix.