Artificial polymers are materials and substances obtained by deep synthesis from one or more substances. Most often, one component is taken as the basis, various additives are added to it and the output is a completely new product with unique properties. This happens due to the fact that changes occur at the molecular level, a new macromolecule is created.
Artificial polymers are divided into biopolymers and synthetic polymers. The basis of both species is carbon. It is his molecule that is modified, giving it new qualities. Biopolymers are obtained by modification, that is, by giving the missing properties to the original substance. This is mainly done in order to give the material ductility or strength. An example is the production of a polymer called "celluloid", which is produced from a natural raw material - cellulose (it is itself a natural polymer), then it goes to create fabrics. Synthetic species are obtained in two technological ways. These are the methodspolymerization and polycondensation. They make it possible to obtain new substances from nitrogen, petroleum gas, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In this way, polypropylene is produced - a polymer that is used in almost all areas of human life.
Artificial polymers are widely used in industry and in everyday life. These materials are strong, durable, elastic, relatively cheap compared to natural materials. The word "natural" is gradually becoming adefinite symbol, which greatly increases the value of the finished product. Many believe that natural materials guarantee quality and environmental friendliness. At the same time, few people think about how artificial polymers are actually obtained. Examples of such materials show that most of them are produced from natural raw materials using synthetic additives. There is not enough natural raw material for all mankind.
Artificial polymers called "silicone" and "latex" are actively used in medicine and cosmetology. Implants are made from them, they are used in the production of medical equipment, care products and other things.
Artificial polymers in the form of plastics are used in the automotive industry, for the production of household and electronic appliances and much more. Many items in our homes are made of plastic: decoration materials, household items, toys. All these things can beenvironmentally friendly, and pose a certain danger to life. It depends on the quality of the material. The fact is that the very basis for creating a polymer is inert from the point of view of ecology. But technological additives: various antioxidants, stabilizers, dyes, and so on - can be harmful to he alth. They can cause allergic reactions or poisoning. Therefore, a plastic thing is chosen by smell. High-quality polymer has no odor.
