The word polymer means ‘many parts’. A polymer is a substance of high molecular mass formed by the  combination of very large number of repeating units. These repeating units are called monomers. The reaction by which a monomer is converted to a polymer is called polymerisation. Polymers are of two kinds: Natural and Synthetic.
Starch and Cellulose
Example for Natural polymers:
  • Starch, Cellulose: Monomer is glucose.
  • Proteins : Monomer is amino acids.
  • Natural Rubber: Monomer is Isoprene.
Example of Synthetic polymers:
  • Polythene: Monomer is Ethylene
  • Polyvinylchloride: Monomer is vinyl chloride
Based on the intermolecular forces polymers are classified into four types: Fibers, Elastomers, Thermoplastics and Thermosetting plastics
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