Polymer chemistry

The term "polymer" refers to a large molecule made up of chemically connected small monomeric units known as "monomers" or "segments." Most polymers are enormous chain-like molecules that have no defined shape and adopt a random conformation. Many of the components found in living organisms are polymers, such as proteins, cellulose, and nucleic acids. Polymer chemistry is the study of polymer molecules, also known as macromolecules, which are huge molecules made up of repeating chemical subunits known as monomers. Polymer chemistry principles and methods can be used in a variety of other chemistry sub-disciplines such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Polymeric structures can be found in a wide range of materials, from totally inorganic metals and ceramics to DNA and other biological molecules; nevertheless, polymer chemistry is most commonly associated with synthetic, organic compositions. Polymer chemistry is also a subset of polymer science and nanotechnology, both of which cover polymer physics and polymer engineering.