Polymers are a type of chemical compound that is made up of small repeating units. They are more widely used than people realise. As they can be easily moulded into different shapes and forms, polymers are used in a wide variety of products that we use every day, from the clothes we wear to the packaging of the food we eat.
Here are some of the ways that polymers are used in our daily life.
Medical
The medical industry has made great use of polymers over the last few decades due to their biocompatibility. They can be found in such varied things as syringes, catheters, and surgical implants. A more in-depth analysis can be found here:
Industrial coatings
Plasma polymer composite coating can be added to products, giving various benefits that are of use in many household items. Depending on your requirements, they can create surfaces that are, for example, non-stick, low-friction, wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, or temperature-resistant. More can be read about the process here: https://www.poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-810-plasma-polymer-composite.
Clothing
Polymers are used in synthetic clothes production, adding durability, and elasticity as well as being an economical product. They can also be added to garments or equipment that need the fabric to be water resistant such as sportswear and umbrellas.
Electronics
Polymers are ideal for use in such things as circuit boards or cabling due to their general toughness and high-temperature tolerance as well as chemical resistance and electrical insulation properties. They are also lightweight and easy to process, making them ideal for high-volume production.
Automotive
Polymers are extensively used in the automotive industry, mainly in dashboards, trim, and bumpers where their durability and impact resistance are particularly prized.
Polymers are also used in tyre production. Employed as an additive, polymers can help reduce rolling resistance in the tyre which in turn increases fuel efficiency.
As technology advances and new polymers are developed, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the future. This is especially the case in the emerging technologies of renewable energy and sustainable products.