The development of polymers throughout history has been very interesting. Many polymeric materials have been discovered in the past that have resulted in benefits to millions of people around the world. Many industries rely very heavily on polymers. The future of polymers is looking very exciting and there is talk that humans could be embracing the "Age of Polymers" in the near future.
This essay aims to recall the major events in the history of the development of polymers and also discusses the possible future of polymers. It does not have information about every single discovery relating to polymers, as that would be nearly impossible. Instead it has information on the major discoveries relating to polymers.
What are Polymers?.
Polymers are large, long, chainlike molecule formed by the chemical linking of many smaller molecules. The small molecular building units are called monomers. Monomers are joined into chains by a process of repeated linking known as polymerisation. A polymer may consist of thousands of monomers. .
A chain molecule has a definite length and it can assume a variety of shapes. This combination of molecular length and flexibility gives polymers many useful and unique properties. For example, rubber and many other polymers can be stretched to several times their normal length without breaking. The chains simply straighten into more extended shapes. Because of the large size of the molecules, polymers do not dissolve easily.
History of Polymers.
The people of the Mayan civilisation in Central America are thought to be the first to find an application for polymers. In the 1500's, the children of the Mayan civilization played with balls made from rubber trees. .
In 1839, Charles Goodyear discovered the process of vulcanisation. Vulcanisation is the process whereby rubber is reacted with sulfur so that cross-links form between polymer chains. This makes the rubber more durable and makes it suitable for use in tires.