Polymers are a type of macromolecules made up of chains of simpler units, called monomers, linked together by covalent bonds in a chemical process calls polymerization; Forming big chains of the most diverse forms (some look like noodles, others have ramifications, some more resemble ladders and others are like three-dimensional networks). Its name comes from the Greek polys (“many”) and mere (“segment”).

They are generally organic molecules of enormous importance in both the natural and industrial worlds. These molecules include the DNA in our cells, starch from plants, nylon, and most plastics.

There are different kinds of polymers. One of them are natural polymers, it means that its origin is biological. There are natural polymers of great commercial importance, such as cotton, made up of cellulose fibers. Cellulose can be found in wood and the stems of many plants, and it is used to make cloth and paper. Silk is another highly valued natural polymer, and it is a nylon-like polyamide. Wool, a protein in sheep’s hair, is another example. Rubber from heave trees and Guayule shrubs are also important natural polymers. Another type of polymers are synthetic polymers, sometimes known as plastics; they are created entirely by the human being. And most of the polymers used in everyday life are synthetic materials with varied properties and applications. Another significant kind of polymers are semisynthetic polymers. They are created by transformation of natural polymers. For example, cellulose acetate, which is used for clothing and textiles by many of the top designers in the world.