Year: 2024
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: The word “polymer” originated from Greek polys which means many and meros which means units; generally, it is referred to as macromolecules with high molecular mass and is formed from consecutive addition of simple structural units known as monomers linked covalently leading to polymerization. Polymers are categorized mainly into three types: synthetic polymer, natural polymers, and semi-synthetic polymers. Synthetic and natural polymers have a considerable part in biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical polymers have prime role in drug-delivery systems like masking the taste, controlled release, better bioavailability, and extended release. Therefore, their application ranges widely from packaging to developing biomedical devices in case of failing organs. The broad range of versatile characteristics of polymers makes them usable in chemical industries for making various products like butyl, chlorosulfonated rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, fluoroelastomers, nitrile, and perfluoroelastomers. There are biodegradable polymers which get decomposed by microorganisms and are used in surgical bandages and coating in capsules. High-temperature polymers due to their high molecular weight could not be destroyed at high temperatures. Due to such characteristics polymers are substantially used in manufacturing shock- and heat-resistant sterilization equipment. Polypropylene has major role in textile aircraft, packaging, construction industries. Some of the significant polymers are polystyrene (packaging industry), polyvinyl chloride (insulated electrical cables), Polyurethane (flooring), urea formaldehyde resins (manufacturing adhesives), Glyptal (paints), and Bakelite (insulators). Large-scale polymers are invaluable; in every sphere their applications whether in biomedical, chemical, or allied industries play a major role. Newer scientific development in polymer science technology would be a greater aid to mankind in future. Polymers are macromolecules originating from natural or synthetic sources, and they are made up of smaller units called monomers . The biomolecules in living organisms are composed of polymers, and they are nucleic acids and cellulose proteins. A polymer also forms a basis for inorganic materials like quartz, diamond, feldspar and artificial materials like paper, plastics, and rubbers. Sometimes natural polymers are a single kind of monomeric unit. Co-polymers are natural or synthetic polymers composed of different types of monomers.
Source: Wiley eBooks
Authors: Raja Chakraverty, Dibya Das, Tatini Debnath
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4401807205