Classification of Polymer

Classification of Polymer based on Structure

• Linear Polymers - A long chain of skeletal atoms to which are attached the substituent group.
• Branched Polymers - Linear polymer with branches with same structure/polymer as the main chain (1 kind of polymer)
• Crosslinked/network Polymers - Chemical linkage exist between polymer chain

             

• Star Polymers - Have arm radiating from a common core

• Copolymers - Made from 2 or more different monomer units. Have 4 sequencing arrangements:

1. Alternating copolymers - Contain a regular alternating sequence of two monomer units
2. Random copolymers - No definite sequence of monomers units exists
3. Block copolymers - Diblock, triblock, multiblock
4. Graft copolymers - Comprises 2 different polymers (a backbone species and a side chain species)