What are polymers?

Polymers are macromolecules formed by the repetition of structural units called monomers. These materials have a wide variety of applications, from plastics and elastomers to fibers and adhesives. But, in turn, polymers are divided into two categories: amorphous polymers and crystalline polymers.

Amorphous Polymers

Amorphous polymers are those that do not have an ordered crystalline structure. This means that its molecular chains are arranged randomly. As a result, amorphous polymers do not have set melting points, but rather melt gradually as the temperature is raised.

Examples of amorphous polymers:

• Polystyrene (PS)
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Crystalline Polymers

Crystalline polymers are those that have a crystal structure, that is, their molecular chains are arranged repetitively in a three-dimensional pattern. This is because the polymer chain folds and packs into an ordered structure, giving the material greater rigidity and strength.

Examples of crystalline polymers:

• Polyester (PET)
• Polycaprolactone (PCL)
• Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)

Differences between amorphous polymers and crystalline polymers

The main difference between amorphous polymers and crystalline polymers is their molecular structure. Amorphous polymers do not have an ordered structure, while crystalline polymers do have an ordered three-dimensional structure. Furthermore, crystalline polymers are harder and stronger than amorphous polymers due to their crystalline structure.

Summary

In summary, polymers are macromolecular molecules of great importance in industry due to their wide variety of applications. Polymers can be classified as amorphous and crystalline according to their molecular structure. Amorphous polymers have a disordered structure and do not have specific melting points, while crystalline polymers have an ordered three-dimensional structure that gives them greater hardness and resistance.

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