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 at the output they have 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 types is carbon. They modify his molecule, giving it new qualities. Biopolymers are obtained by modification, that is, giving the starting material missing properties. 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 natural raw materials - cellulose (it is itself a
natural polymer), then it goes on to create tissues. Synthetic species are obtained in two technological ways. These are polymerization and polycondensation methods. They allow you to get new substances from nitrogen,
petroleum gas, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In this way, polypropylene is produced - this is 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, flexible, relatively cheap compared to natural materials. The word "natural" is gradually becoming
a certain symbol, which significantly increases the cost of the finished product. Many people believe that natural materials guarantee quality and environmental friendliness. However, few people think about how artificial polymers are actually produced. Examples of such materials show that most of them are made from natural raw materials using synthetic additives. Natural raw materials for all of humanity are not enough.
Artificial polymers under the names "silicone" and "latex" are actively used in medicine and cosmetology. Implants are made of them, they are used in the production of medical equipment, care items and other things.
Artificial polymers in the form of plastic are used in the automotive industry, for the production of household and electronic equipment and much more. Many items in our homes are made of plastic: decoration materials, household items, toys. All these things can be both environmentally 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 an environmental point of view. But technological additives: various antioxidants, stabilizers, dyes, and so on - can be harmful to health. They can cause allergic reactions or poisoning. Therefore, the plastic thing is chosen by smell. High-quality polymer has no smell.