Materials Science and Chemistry

Polymeric Materials

Polymer chemistry is a multidisciplinary science that deals with the chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers which were considered as macromolecules. Polymerization is the process of combining many small molecules known as monomers into a covalently bonded chain or network. General methods of synthesis include Biological synthesis and modification of natural polymers. Laboratory research is generally divided into two categories, step-growth polymerization and chain-growth polymerization. Polymers are characterized by the presence of monomer units and microstructures and they can be determined by means of many lab techniques. Surface functionalization of a polymer structure is the key component of a coating formulation allowing control over such properties as dispersion, film formation temperature, and the coating rheology. Polymer blends are members of a class of materials analogous to metal alloys, in which at least two polymers are blended together to create a new material with different physical properties. A polymer alloy includes multiphase copolymers but excludes incompatible polymer blends. These materials combine high modulus, heat resistance and impact strength in addition to flame retardant. Polymer processing is done by extrusion and injection moulding; other processes include calendering, compression. Polymer testing capabilities include advanced trace chemical analysis, diverse analytical capabilities and identification of chemicals composition, unknown materials and chemical contamination.