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Natural Polymers are substances that commonly occur in nature or are derived from plants or animals. They are abundant in nature and can be extracted through natural means. Natural polymers are crucial to daily life since they are the foundation of human forms.
- The proteins and nucleic acids found in human tissue as well as cellulose, natural rubber, silk, and wool are a few examples of natural polymers.
- The word ‘polymer’ originated from two Greek words ‘poly’ means many and ‘mer’ means unit or part.
- The term Polymer indicates a very large molecule having many smaller molecules.
- The repeating chemical compounds are derived from some simple and reactive molecules known as monomers and are connected by covalent bonds.
- The process of the creation of polymers from simple and smaller monomers is called polymerization.
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Key Terms: Polymers, Polymerization, Natural Polymers, Synthetic Polymers, Semi-synthetic Polymers, Monomers, Proteins
What are Natural Polymers?
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Natural Polymers are materials that exist naturally or are derived from plants or animals. Natural polymers are the building blocks on which every living interaction is dependent. There are many natural polymers, a few of which are cellulose, chiton, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- These polymers are created using condensation polymerization or addition polymerization.
- Proteins and nucleic acids are only two examples of the countless natural polymers found in our bodies.
- Water is a byproduct of the condensation of condensation polymers, which is how natural polymers are often created.
- Natural polymers like DNA and RNA are crucial to all living things' survival mechanisms.
- Similar to how natural rubber is a polymer derived from the latex of a rubber tree, starch is a natural polymer composed of hundreds of glucose molecules.
- Honey is another naturally occurring polymer that is widely utilized in daily life.
Natural Polymers
Classification of Polymers
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Polymers can be classified based on various factors, and properties and the properties used to classify them may include the structural details, molecular forces involved, source of polymer, type of polymerization, and growth polymerization.
Classification Based on Source of Polymer
The source from which the polymer originated or was obtained determines the nature of the polymers, which are further divided into Natural, Semi-synthetic, and Synthetic Polymers.
Natural Polymers
- Natural Polymers, also known as biopolymers, are substances that exist naturally and are created throughout the life cycles of bacteria, fungi, mammals, and green plants.
- Living things like plants and animals are a source of polymers.
- They are present in living things, and both plants and animals go through metabolic processes.
- They exist everywhere and are universal.
- Natural polymers include things like rubber, cellulose, and so on.
Semi-Synthetic Polymers
- The origin of semi-synthetic polymers is Cellulose.
- Natural polymers are the primary source of semi-synthetic polymers.
- They undergo a synthetic chemical process to either enhance or decrease certain features, therefore they are modified versions.
- Cellulose acetate, rayon, and nitrocellulose are a few examples.
Synthetic Polymers
- Synthetic Polymers are those that are produced by humans using chemical processes and are utilized in daily life.
- They are derived from diverse compounds that resemble petrochemical sources like oil and petroleum.
- These go through numerous chemical processes, much like semi-synthetic polymers, to create desirable qualities like durability and flexibility.
- As a result, synthetic polymers are used more often since they display a variety of beneficial traits.
- A few examples of synthetic polymers are Vulcanized rubber, Nylon, Teflon, Polyethene, etc.
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Classification Based on Structure of Polymer
Polymers are further classified based on their structure, which are Linear polymers, branched chain polymers, and cross-linked or network polymers.
- Linear Polymers: These are produced utilizing long, straight chains of monomers. Teflon, nylon, polyester, etc. are a few examples.
- Branched Chain Polymers: These polymers are created when linear polymers split into several branches. For instance, polyethene, starch, glycogen, etc.
- Cross-linked or Network Polymers: Strong covalent bonds are used to link two linear polymers to create these polymers. Fibreglass, glue, polyester, etc. are a few examples.
Classification Based on Mode of Polymerization
Polymers is further sub-classified into various types such as addition polymers and condensation polymers.
- Additional Polymers: These types of polymers are created by repeated bonding of unsaturated monomers irrelevant to the type of bond they possess (either double or triple). Polystyrene, polyethene, polyacrylates, and methacrylate are a few examples.
- Condensation Polymers: These types of polymers are formed by condensation reactions between two or more different monomers and which results in the removal of small molecules such as water, etc. Examples are polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, and polysiloxane.
Classification Based on Molecular Forces
Considering the intermolecular forces of the monomers, the polymers can be divided into the following types:
- Elastomers: Solids with elastic characteristics are known as elastomers. These polymers allow for easy monomer stretching since there are few molecular interactions between each monomer. Polybutadiene, polyisoprene, etc. are a few examples.
- Fibres: These have high tensile strength and are composed of thread-like structures.
- Thermoplastic Polymers: These are polymers with linear or branched chains that soften when heated and harden when chilled.
- Thermosetting Polymers: These polymers have a lot of branches. These polymers can neither be reversed back to their original shape nor utilized again after being heated. For instance, balloons, erasers, etc.
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Examples of Natural Polymers
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There are various examples of natural polymers which are present in abundance. Here are some examples of Natural Polymers:
- Proteins and Polypeptides: Proteins are the fundamental category of organic polymers that make up the majority of living things. In nature, proteins are thought to be the most adaptable and can act as catalysts. They are in charge of many of the chemical processes that take place within our bodies. Haemoglobin, a particular class of protein found in blood, transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells.
- Collagen: Collagen is a protein and one of the natural polymers. It comprises the connective tissue that is found in human skin. This collagen polymer is also a fiber that forms an elastic layer beneath the skin, aiding in the maintenance of the skin's suppleness and smoothness.
- Latex: Latex is a natural polymer, and latex is recognised to be a kind of rubber. Milkweed is one of the many plants that provide natural latex, which is mostly harvested from rubber trees. It may also be created artificially by assembling lengthy chains of styrene molecules.
- Cellulose: Cellulose is one of the most prevalent organic substances on the planet, and cotton is the purest type of natural cellulose. Cellulose makes up the majority of the supporting components in leaves and other plants as well as the paper made from tree wood. It is a polymer produced from the monomers of glucose, just like this amylose.
- Starch: Starch is a condensation polymerization derivative made up of glucose monomers that split into water molecules when mixed chemically. In addition to being a component of the main dietary categories known as carbs, starch is also a component of grains, cereal, and potatoes. The primary components of starch in the majority of plants, amylopectin and amylose, are found in the molecules of starch.
- Carbohydrates: It is a polymers made from glucose. Carbohydrates like starch and sugar may be utilized by both plants and animals to make energy.
- DNA and RNA: DNA and RNA are nucleotide-based polymers. Condensation leads to the formation of these polymers.
- Rubber: Rubber is an addition polymer of isoprene monomers and it is formed by addition polymerization. It is obtained from latex collected from rubber trees.
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Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Polymer
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Natural polymers are those that can be found in the environment naturally. Synthetic polymers are polymers created artificially by humans. Their production is often carried out in factories and labs.
The difference between Natural and Synthetic Polymers are as follows:
| Basis | Natural Polymers | Synthetic Polymers |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Natural Polymers are polymers that occur naturally in the environment | Synthetic Polymers are polymers artificially made by human beings |
| Occurrence | These polymers occur naturally. | These polymers are made artificially. |
| Production | They are produced through biological processes. | They are produced through chemical reactions. |
| Degradation | They are easily degraded by biological process. | They are hard to degrade by biological process. |
| Types | Polyamides, polysaccharides, and polynucleotides are the various types of Natural Polymers. | Inorganic polymers and organic polymers are the types of Synthetic Polymers. |
| Examples | DNA, Cellulose, Silk, Wool, and Proteins. | Polyethylene, Polyester, Nylon, Teflon, and Epoxy. |
Things to Remember
- Polymerization is the process of creating polymers from simple and smaller monomers.
- Polymers are classified into various types such as Natural Polymers, Synthetic Polymers, and Semi-synthetic Polymers.
- Natural Polymers are those polymers that exist naturally in the environment.
- Synthetic Polymers are those polymers that are synthesized intentionally by humans.
- Natural polymers exist naturally, but synthetic polymers are created artificially.
- Examples of Natural Polymers include Proteins and Polypeptides, Collagen, Cellulose, Starch, Latex, etc.
Previous Year Questions
- Which of the following is a natural polymer… (NEET - 2020)
- Which polymers occur naturally… (Punjab PMET - 2009)
- Natural rubber is a polymer of… (Rajasthan PMT - 2007)
- Thermoplastics become hard on heating and soft on cooling…
- Which of the following are thermoplastic polymers…
- Which of the following is a thermosetting polymer… (JEE Main - 2019)
- Which of the following is an example of thermosetting polymers… (AMUEEE - 2018)
- Among the following, the branched chain polymer is… (KCET - 2018)
- Rayon is a semisynthetic polymer whose properties are better… (JEE Main - 2016)
- Which of the following is a characteristic of Low-Density Polyethylene… (JKCET - 2019)
Sample Questions
Ques. What are Polymers? (3 Marks)
Ans. Polymers are macromolecules composed of tiny particles known as monomers. Polymers include numerous different substances that are really helpful in our daily lives. Polymers can be categorized in a variety of ways, including based on their structure, their chemical or physical characteristics, etc. Two categories, known as natural polymers and synthetic polymers, are included in the fundamental category of polymers. Our environment contains polymer molecules known as natural polymers. Artificially created polymer compounds are referred to as synthetic polymers.
Ques. Are Natural Polymers exhaustible resources? (3 Marks)
Ans. Exhaustible Resources are generally those resources that are limited in nature and can be depleted with overuse. Some examples of exhaustible resources are fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel. These are not renewable and will be deleted. Natural polymers on the other hand occur within the living body. Unlike exhaustible resources, they take less time to form. Hence natural polymers are not exhaustible as they are regularly regenerated in a short span.
Ques. What are Biopolymers? (5 Marks)
Ans. Biopolymers are synthetic polymers made from biological sources. They can either be biosynthesized by live organisms or chemically synthesized from biological ingredients.
- These are composed of monomeric components that are covalently bound together. Larger molecules are created by these monomeric components.
- Biopolymers are a sustainable resource since they are made from living things like plants and bacteria, in contrast to most polymers, which are made from petroleum.
- Biopolymers are typically biodegradable. They are employed in a number of sectors, including the food industry, manufacturing, packaging, and biomedical engineering.
- Given their abundance, biocompatibility, and special qualities like non-toxicity, etc., biopolymers are intriguing materials. Biopolymers are being studied for usage in an increasing number of applications, perhaps with nanoscale reinforcements to improve their characteristics.
Ques. What are Natural Polymers? (2 Marks)
Ans. Natural Polymers are polymer molecules that exist in our environment on a regular basis. Polymer compounds make up the majority of chemical components in biological systems. The three primary categories of these natural polymers are Polysaccharides, Polyamides, and Polynucleotides.
Ques. What are Polysaccharides, Polyamides and Polynucleotides? (5 Marks)
Ans. Monosaccharide-based polymers are included in the category of Polysaccharides. Glucose, fructose, galactose, and other monosaccharides are the most frequent ones.
- Animals and plants both contain polysaccharides.
- For instance, starch is a polysaccharide that serves as the storage carbohydrate in plants.
- Animals store carbohydrates in the form of a polysaccharide called glycogen.
Polyamides are naturally occurring polymers with peptide linkages that incorporate proteins.
- These are known as polyamides because the polymer has several amide groups throughout. Amino acids are used to make proteins.
- As a result, proteins' monomers are amino acids. Because they contain several peptide links, small proteins are also known as polypeptides.
- The primary structural elements of both plants and animals are proteins. Common examples of proteins include animal enzymes like amylase, plant fibres like silk and wool, and wool in plants.
Polynucleotides are made up of DNA and RNA. These are polymer compounds constructed from nucleotide monomers.
- A sugar molecule is joined to a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group, and a sugar molecule to form a nucleotide.
- The polymer known as polynucleotides is created when these nucleotides establish covalent connections with one another. Any living thing, including bacteria, plants, and animals, has DNA and RNA.
Ques. What vital functions are carried out by Natural Polymers in the human body? (3 Marks)
Ans. The naturally occurring polymers in the human body include carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- The primary energy-producing component comes from carbohydrates, which also support other activities including movement.
- Another significant organic polymer is proteins, which are found in the body as amino acids. There are many different types of amino acids, and they have several uses.
- The process of DNA replication and multiplication is the most crucial of them all. The primary building blocks of human DNA and RNA are nucleic acids, which also define our genetic makeup.
Ques. What distinguishes Synthetic and Semi-synthetic Polymers from one another? (5 Marks)
Ans. Semi-synthetic and Synthetic Polymers are alike because they were made using artificial methods and human hands.
- However, since synthetic polymers are wholly man-made, they are different.
- Natural sources are used to create semi-synthetic polymers, which are adaptations of natural polymers.
- Synthetic polymers are wholly man-made from petroleum sources and are not connected to any pure organic source.
- As opposed to semi-synthetic polymers, they do not resemble or reflect natural polymers. In this regard, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers differ from one another.
Ques. Do Natural Polymers cause pollution? (3 Marks)
Ans. No, Natural polymers do not pollute the environment the same way as the other two synthetic polymers. This is due to the fact that they arise spontaneously and are connected by organic connections. They degrade quickly because of the organic nature of their molecules and linkages. Proteins and carbohydrates are polymers that undergo some metabolic processes in the human body itself. As a result, they are biodegradable in the presence of negligible amounts of external energy and cannot pollute the land, water, or air.
Ques. What is the difference between Natural and Synthetic Rubber? (5 Marks)
Ans. The difference between Natural rubber and Synthetic rubber is as follows.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber may be obtained as latex (a milky liquid) from a variety of plants.
- With a minor amount of contaminants, natural rubber derived from tree latex is essentially a polymer comprised of isoprene units.
- Natural rubber is sticky and difficult to handle, and it has poor durability (it rots).
- Typically, rubber is heated in the presence of sulphur during the vulcanisation process to increase its resilience, elasticity, and durability.
Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubbers are man-made rubbers produced chemically, typically from natural gas and petroleum byproducts.
- Neoprene, Buna-S, and Buna-N are a few varieties of synthetic rubber. Isoprene is one of the several monomers that may be polymerized to create synthetic rubber.
- Synthetic rubber is preferred because different monomers may be blended in varying amounts to provide a wide range of physical, mechanical, and chemical qualities.
- The production of pure monomers allows for the regulated inclusion of contaminants or additions to generate materials with the best possible qualities.
Ques. What is the difference between Natural Polymer and Synthetic Polymer? (3 Marks)
Ans. The two main types of polymers are Natural Polymers and Synthetic Polymers.
Natural polymers are made up of polymer molecules that exist naturally in our surroundings. However, man-made synthetic polymers are substances that are not present in nature. The main distinction between natural and manufactured polymers is this.
- Natural polymers are created by biological processes.
- Chemical processes are used to create synthetic polymers.
- The majority of natural polymers are quickly decomposed by biological processes.
- The majority of synthetic polymers are difficult for biological processes to spontaneously break down.
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