What do DNA, PVC pipes, Styrofoam, and bread have in common? Considering you clicked the title of this page to get here, hopefully you already have an idea of the answer: They are all composed of polymers. For many people, the term ‘polymer’ has become synonymous with ‘plastic’; all plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastics. Many organic structures are also polymeric in nature, from our very constituency (DNA and hair) to every vital food group (starches, proteins, and cellulose) to natural consumer products (wood, cotton, leather, and natural rubber).

Because polymers are (very long) repetitive chains of monomers, they bring a variety of strengths to the various materials they compose. Kevlar helps protect our first responders, both in police officers’ bullet-proof vests and fire fighters’ proximity suits; Saran Wrap and Styrofoam protect our foods, by shielding them from the elements that would accelerate their decay. Nylon is a fabric that can bend and stretch without tearing, and is used in everything from pantyhose to ukulele strings; meanwhile, carbon fiber is rigid and unforgiving, making it ideal for use in car bodies. Water-resistant PVC is used in raincoats and vinyl siding; conversely, super-absorbent polyacrylamides can be found in diapers.