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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! 

 

 

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