Polymers and Plastics in Daily Life
Polymers are large molecules made of repeating subunits called monomers. These versatile materials are the backbone of countless products — from containers and clothing to furniture and electronics. When synthetic and moldable, they are known as plastics.
1. What Are Polymers?
Polymers can be naturally occurring (like starch, cellulose, or proteins) or synthetic (like nylon, polyethylene, or PVC). Their structure and chemistry define properties such as flexibility, strength, and resistance.
2. Types of Polymers
- Natural Polymers: Rubber, DNA, silk, wool, proteins, cellulose
- Synthetic Polymers: Plastics, nylon, polyester, Teflon, acrylics, Bakelite
3. Classification of Plastics
- Thermoplastics: Soften on heating, harden on cooling (e.g., polyethylene, PVC).
- Thermosetting Plastics: Harden permanently after heating (e.g., Bakelite, melamine).
4. Everyday Applications
- Packaging: Bags, bottles (PE, PP, PET)
- Textiles: Nylon, polyester, spandex
- Electronics: PVC insulation, epoxy boards
- Furniture: Polycarbonate chairs, polyurethane foam
- Healthcare: Syringes, IV bags, prosthetics
- Construction: PVC pipes, paints, adhesives
5. Advantages of Plastics
- Lightweight and durable
- Waterproof and corrosion-resistant
- Moldable into various shapes
- Cost-effective and versatile
6. Environmental Concerns
- Non-biodegradable: Take centuries to decompose
- Pollution: Cause land, water & marine pollution
- Recycling Issues: Difficult sorting & processing
7. Sustainable Solutions
- Biodegradable Plastics: PLA, starch-based
- Recycling Programs: Reduce landfill waste
- Eco-alternatives: Cloth bags, bamboo, metal straws
Conclusion
Polymers and plastics are vital to modern life, but their impact on the environment demands responsible use and eco-friendly innovations.
Learn more about Chemistry in Everyday Life or explore UNEP Plastic Pollution Campaign.
MCQs
Q1: Which is a natural polymer?
a) PVC b) Nylon c) Rubber d) Teflon
Answer: Rubber ✅
Q2: Thermosetting plastics…
a) Soften on heat b) Harden permanently c) Reshape many times
Answer: Harden permanently ✅
True/False
Nylon is synthetic. ✅ True
Plastics are biodegradable. ❌ False
Fill in the Blanks
1. Repeating units in polymers are called monomers.
2. PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride.
FAQs
Q1. What are polymers in simple words?
Large molecules made of repeating units (monomers).
Q2. Why harmful?
Non-biodegradable, cause pollution.
Q3. Difference between thermoplastics & thermosetting?
Thermoplastics reshape on heating; thermosetting harden permanently.
हिंदी में (Polymers and Plastics in Daily Life)
पॉलिमर बड़ी अणु होते हैं, जो छोटे-छोटे मोनोमर से मिलकर बने होते हैं। यह हमारे दैनिक जीवन में उपयोग होने वाले वस्तुओं की रीढ़ हैं।
- प्राकृतिक पॉलिमर: रबर, रेशम, ऊन, डीएनए
- कृत्रिम पॉलिमर: नायलॉन, पॉलिएस्टर, पीवीसी
लाभ: हल्के, मजबूत, जलरोधक।
हानि: अपघटन न होना, प्रदूषण।
समाधान: बायोडिग्रेडेबल प्लास्टिक, कपड़े के थैले, बांस उत्पाद।
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