are large molecules composed of smaller molecules called monomers. Monomers are produced and either grow together or are assembled to produce a single polymer. There are synthetic and natural . Some examples of natural would be wood, starches, fingernails, and hair. Synthetic are usually referred to as plastics. Petroleum is the primary monomer used to produce . An English chemist named Alexander Parkes was the first scientist to produce the first synthetic polymer in 1862. John Wesley Hyatt, an American, was the first person to produce a useable polymer two years later. He named the product celluloid.
The prime virtue of is a high strength-to-weight ratio. Industrial-strength surpass titanium in tensile strength. To add strength and improve flexibility, are sometimes fortified with short-fiber additives, mostly fiberglass. This is known as a polymer composite. One particular polymer has three times the strength of tempered steel and is being used in bullet proof vests. Another composite will be used to fasten together the sections proposed space stations. have also been used in cars, including the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Fiero.
New are being created with more strength and flexibility by combing two chemically different and producing a block copolymer. Combinations of block co and composites and intended for use in booster rockets and in materials of Earth-orbiting installations.
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