Synthetic Polymers & How They Are Used

By Lenna Stockwell

Appreciating synthetic polymers can be done because these are polymers made by man which have become highly useful. Polymers are molecules consisting of chains of multiple repeating units and are found naturally, as well as being created artificially. The DNA of human beings is a naturally occurring polymer, as well as all the important proteins in each of our bodies. The manufacture of synthetic polymers can be done and synthetic polymers can be grouped into four main groupings.

Synthetic fibers are one type of synthetic polymers and these have many interesting common properties. They generally resistant to chemicals, fungi and insects do not absorb moisture. They also typically cost much less to produce than a natural fiber, so this is why these fibers are used to replace fibers such as natural silk. A few common types of synthetic fibers include nylon, spandex and rayon.

Polymers with high elasticity are the elastomers, also one type of synthetic polymer, one that is highly elastic, just like its name. Flexible products like shoe soles and tires are products made from elastomers. Silicone rubber which is used as a sealant is also one of the many different types of elastomers.

Thermosetting plastics are also one of these types and these are the thermosets, another type of this synthetic polymer. This is a product that uses heat, and once set and dried, it is irreversible, and this is a type of synthetic polymer produced. The heating process is what will "cure" the product. These are products that are not recyclable although can also be shredded sometimes and used to make other products. Vulcanized rubber, those that are used to make tires are examples of these thermosetting plastics. Bakelite was one of the first highly popular thermoset plastics and these items, such as Bakelite jewelry, is highly collectable today.

Thermoplastics have also similarities, like the thermoset plastics, although with some important differences. Thermoplastics do not change in its chemical form when heated, and these can be melted and re-melted and reused. Most of these thermoplastics are not biodegradable products but these are also recyclable products.

Thermoplastics are used to make millions of thermoplastic packages each year. Custom product packaging is the task of many thermoforming companies. Everything from water bottles to milk jugs to food storage containers are made using thermoplastics. In addition to the many custom packages created by a thermoforming company, many other products are made using this category of plastic. PVC, nylon and acrylic are just a few different thermoplastics of which you may be familiar.

About the Author:

Lenna Stockwell enjoys blogging about how stuff is made. For additional details about thermoformed packaging, or to find out more about custom thermoforming, please check out the Indepak website now.