The term “plastics” is used to describe a wide variety of resins or polymers with different characteristics and uses. Polymers are long chains of molecules, a group of many units, taking its name from the Greek “poly” (meaning “many”) and “meros” (meaning “parts” or “units”).
The materials which are commonly referred to as plastics are all considered polymers, but polymers don't necessarily have to be plastics.
Polymers are many chains of molecular structres or parts that are used in plastics. Plastic is the processed end product that ends up in the shape of a container, a lid, a bag, a bottle, a part of some item or a casing.
Dr Réagan
#IStandWithEli
Good question,
Plastics vs. Polymers
Plastic has no one specific molecular structure. It is merely a general term for certain resins and polymers. As a result of this association, people often use the word “polymer” synonymously with plastic. However, polymers are not always plastic (though all plastics are polymers). Polymers generally exist as compound materials classified by their development and properties. There are two basic types. Thermoplastic polymers can be formed when they are heated. If they are heated again, then they can be reformed. The reason for this is that the molecules flow when they are melted. The other type of polymers is Thermoset polymers. When these polymers are heated, instead of changing structure they actually undergo a chemical change. Once they form the first time, they can never be reformed even when heated. Thermoplastic polymers are easy to recycle. Thermosets can be recycled, but not nearly as easily.
Regards
The difference between polymer and plastic is complicated as all plastics are polymers but not all polymers are plastic. Many companies and universities agree that polymer alone is essentially useless, and it must be combined with other mediums to form a usable product. However, recognizing that both polymer and plastic are two separate products is important even though one requires the other for creation.
Polymers as you right said are the many long chain molecular structures that are used in the production of plastics. Thus, polymers are the main raw materials, as it were, for the production of plastics which are the end products.
Yes ,
The materials which are commonly referred to as plastics are all considered polymers, but polymers don't necessarily have to be plastics.
Thanks
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