Polymers
In this notes sheet...
Broadly, polymers (also known as plastics) are split into three types:
Thermoplastics
Thermosets
Elastomers
Each type has a specific set of properties that are dictated by its structure and the bonding within the polymer.
Polymeric Structure
All polymers consist of long macromolecules which contain chains of covalently bonded atoms. The process of turning single monomer molecules into long chains of polymers is known as polymerisation:

Polymerisation is a chemical reaction that generally happens at high temperatures with the help of a catalyst (this is to break the double bond between the carbon atoms).
The schematic above shows the polymerisation of ethylene, C₂H₄ into polyethylene (PE).
Chains are typically between 10³ and 10⁵ monomers long.
The molecular weight of the polymer is the product of the chain length and monomer weight.
Chains vary hugely in weight, and so commercial polymers are classified in terms of mean molecular weight:

The chains can be linear, branched, or cross-linked networks:

This is what dictates their properties.
Bonding
Monomers are bonded as chains with covalent bonds
Chains are connected at branches and cross-links with Van der Waals bonds
Often, hydrogen bonds form here too
Thermoplastics
As seen above, these can be regular semi-crystalline structures or amorphous (no ordered structure). The more branches there are to a chain, the less regular the structure.
We say semi-crystalline, as no polymers are truly ordered. All thermoplastics contain crystalline and amorphous regions.
The Van der Waals bonds between chains break when heated at lower temperatures than the covalent bonds holding the monomers as chains. This means they easily melt and can be formed into different shapes over and over again.
Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastics
Some of the most common examples include:
Polythene (PE)

Very cheap
Easy to mould
Tough
Generally used in bottles, packaging, pipes
Polypropylene (PP)

Same properties as PE, but stiffer
Good UV resistance
Fatigue resistance
Used as fibres, outdoor furniture, rope
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Excellent temperature and chemical resistance
Good non-stick properties
Used in lubricants, chemical containers & bottles, non-stick surfaces
Amorphous Thermoplastics
Common examples are:
Polystyrene (PS)

Transparent
Very cheap
Very mouldable
Brittle
Can be expanded into foam
Used for stationary, packaging, food containers, electrical insulation
Polyvinylchloride (PVC)<