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Polymers
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Below is one of our free research papers on Polymers. If the term paper below is not exactly what you're looking for, you can search our essay database for other topics.
Polymers are defined as a large molecule that is composed of repeating structural units that are normally connected by covalent bonds. They are chain-like structures that stretch infinitely. The polymer groups are then held together by secondary bonds to form the polymeric material. The word polymer, originating from the word polis in Greek, means “many parts.” A polymeric solid material consists of many chemically bonded parts which are bonded together to form a solid. The acronym CHON is used to help people to remember the components of polymers.
The first and most important component of polymers is carbon. Carbon can carry a positive or negative charge, which makes it the most important. Another thing about carbon is that it can bond with more elements at one time than any other element that has ever been discovered. The second component is hydrogen. It is also referred to as a proton. This component is also important because it is thought of as “the placeholder element.” For example, if one is making glucose, and six carbons and six oxygen atoms have been put together, then one can take a hydrogen atom and attach it on wherever it is needed. Oxygen is also an important element to have, especially when building many sugars. Nitrogen is important when building carboxyl groups or ammonia molecules. The best examples of polymers are proteins and plastics. Fatty acids and glycerol are also polymers. Polymeric materials are used for many different things...
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