Classification of polymers

Polymers can be classified in two ways as give below:

1. Classification based on source of availability.
2. Classification based on method of synthesis.

1. Classification based on source of availability

According to this classification polymers are of two types:

1. Natural polymers
2. Synthetic polymers

Natural Polymers

The polymers obtained from nature are called natural polymers. For example, starch, cellulose, natural rubber, proteins and nucleic acids etc. are common examples of natural polymers.

Synthetic Polymers

The polymers which are prepared in the laboratories are called synthetic polymers. These are also known as man-made polymers. Examples of synthetic polymers are nylon, teflon, terylene, polyvinyl chloride and synthetic rubber.

2. Classification of polymers on the basis of method of synthesis

On the basis of method of synthesis, the polymers are also of two types:

1. Addition polymers
2. Condensation polymers

1. Addition Polymers

A polymer formed by direct addition of repeated monomers without the elimination of any molecule is called addition polymer. The addition polymers are generally prepared from unsaturated compounds. For example natural rubber is obtained as latex from rubber trees. The monomer of natural rubber is isoprene. There may be as many as 11000 to 20000 isoprene units in a polymer chain of natural rubber.

2. Condensation Polymers

These polymers are formed by the condensation of two or more monomers with the elimination of simple molecules like water and alcohol. Following are the examples of two important condensation polymers:

1. Nylon
2. Polyester

Test your understanding and answer these questions:

1. What are addition polymers? give examples.
2. What are condensation polymers? give examples.
3. What do you understand by natural and synthetic polymers. give examples.