Polymers and composites• Straight chain- carbons in a chain.• Branched chain- is a carbon chain with a branch

in it.• Carbon ring- is a ring of carbons.

Carbon compounds form polymers

• Polymer- a large complex molecule built from smaller molecules joined together.

• Monomers- the smaller molecules from which polymers are built.

Types of polymers

• Plant polymers- long strips or fibers made of cellulose, which is a strong natural polymer, which gives strength to plants.

• Animal polymers- proteins are polymers made from amino acids which are monomers. Example: spider webs.

• Synthetic polymers- polymers that are created by humans using simple compounds to form complex compounds.

• Plastics- synthetic polymers that can be molded or shaped, usually made from coal or oil.

Composites

• A composite is when you take two substances and combined them to best use their properties.

• Natural composites- are natural substances combined in nature. Example: cellulose and lignin combine to support trees.

• Synthetic composites- human substances put together to create a new substance that is better. Example: fiber glass.

Metals and alloys

• Alloy- a substance made of two or more elements that have the properties of metals.

• Properties of alloys- take on the properties of the metals but are generally stronger and less likely to react with air or water.