polümer

Polímer is a term derived from Greek words meaning "many parts." It refers to a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeating structural units, known as monomers. These monomers are typically small organic molecules that link together through chemical bonds to form a long chain or network. The process of forming these long chains is called polymerization.

Polymers can be found naturally and are essential to life. Examples include proteins, which are made of amino acid monomers, and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, formed from nucleotide monomers. Cellulose, a major component of plant cell walls, is a polymer of glucose. Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, are man-made materials with a wide range of applications. Plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are common examples, used in packaging, construction, textiles, and countless other products.

The properties of a polymer are determined by the type of monomers used, the way they are arranged, and the length of the polymer chains. These properties can vary greatly, allowing polymers to be flexible, rigid, elastic, or strong. This versatility makes polymers incredibly important in modern industry and everyday life.