What is a polymer?
A polymer is a long chain of molecules linked together.
There are man made and natural polymers. There are
proteins and starches in the food you eat. They are polymers.
There are even polymers in the human body called DNA. Some
other natural polymers are turtle shells, amber, animal horns,
hair, and finger nails. Many polymers are man made.
Here are some examples: polyethylene (water
bottles), polystyrene (Styrofoam), acrylics (paint), and
neoprene (wetsuits). Polymers are also recyclable. Even sandwich
boxes can become playground equipment!
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Bibliography
www.basa.org.uk/domestic.html
www.cem.msu.edu/-reusch/VirtualText/polymers.htm
www.engr.sjsu.edu/WofMatE/polymers.htm
www.inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blfiresprinkler.htm
www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/education/plastics
www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp
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