Polymer materials

Polymer materials can be of natural origin or synthetic origin; the majority are synthetic. Polymer materials are classified by their source into natural, semi-synthetic (modified natural polymer materials), and synthetic polymer materials. 　　Natural polymers are the foundation of the origin and evolution of life. From the very beginning, human society has utilized natural polymer materials as means of livelihood and production, and has mastered the techniques for processing them. For example, using silk, cotton, and wool to make fabrics, or using wood, cotton, and hemp to make paper. At the end of the 1830s, the stage of chemical modification of natural polymers was reached, giving rise to semi-synthetic polymer materials. The emergence of synthetic polymer phenol-formaldehyde resin in 1907 marked the beginning of humanity’s use of synthetic polymer materials. In modern times, polymer materials, just like metal materials and inorganic non-metallic materials, have become important materials in science and technology as well as economic development. 　　 Classification of polymer materials by properties Polymer materials can be classified by their properties into rubber, fibers, plastics, polymer adhesives, polymer coatings, and polymer-based composites, among others. 　　①Rubber is a class of linear, flexible polymeric polymers. The intermolecular forces between its molecular chains are weak, giving the molecular chains good flexibility; they can undergo significant deformation under external forces and quickly return to their original shape once the force is removed. There are two types: natural rubber and synthetic rubber. 　　②Polymer fibers are divided into natural fibers and chemical fibers. The former refers to silk, cotton, linen, wool, etc. The latter is produced from natural or synthetic polymers through spinning and post-treatment. Fibers have strong secondary bonding forces, low deformation capacity, and high modulus; they are generally crystalline polymers. 　　③Plastics are made primarily from synthetic resins or chemically modified natural polymers, to which fillers, plasticizers, and other additives are added. Its intermolecular secondary forces, modulus, and strain are between those of rubber and fibers. They are generally classified into thermosetting plastics and thermoplastic plastics based on the properties of synthetic resins ； Based on their application, they are further divided into general-purpose plastics and engineering plastics. 　　④Polymer adhesives are adhesive materials made primarily from synthetic or natural polymer compounds. They are divided into natural and synthetic adhesives. Synthetic adhesives are those that are used most frequently. 　　⑤Polymer coatings are made by using polymers as the main film-forming substance, along with solvents and various additives. Based on the type of film-forming substance, they are divided into oil-based coatings, natural resin coatings, and synthetic resin coatings. ⑥Polymer-based composite materials are a type of composite material made by using polymer compounds as the matrix and adding various reinforcing materials. It combines the performance characteristics of existing materials and allows for material design as needed. 　　 Classification of polymer materials by application Polymer materials can be further divided into ordinary polymer materials and functional polymer materials based on their uses. In addition to the general mechanical, insulating, and thermal properties of polymers, functional polymer materials possess special functions such as the conversion, transmission, and storage of matter, energy, and information. Practically applied ones include polymer information conversion materials, polymer transparent materials, polymer mimetic enzymes, biodegradable polymer materials, polymer shape memory materials, as well as medical and pharmaceutical polymer materials. Properties of polymer materials The structure of polymer materials determines their properties; by controlling and modifying the structure, polymer materials with different characteristics can be obtained. The unique structure of polymer materials, along with their ease of modification and processing, endows them with excellent properties that are unmatched and irreplaceable by other materials. As a result, they are widely used in various fields such as science and technology, national defense, and the national economy, and have become essential materials in every aspect of modern life, including clothing, food, housing, transportation, and daily utilities. 　　Many natural materials are typically composed of polymer materials, such as natural rubber, cotton, and human organs. The same is true for synthetically produced chemicals such as fibers, plastics, and rubber. Polymer materials that are widely used in daily life and have reached industrial production scales are generally referred to as general-purpose polymer materials, while those with special purposes and functions are called functional polymers. Synthesis and Processing of Polymer Materials Before processing, polymer materials must first be synthesized by combining monomers to form polymers which are then granulated, before undergoing melt processing. The synthesis methods of polymer materials include bulk polymerization, suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, and solution polymerization. Initiators play a very important role in this process; azo initiators and peroxide initiators are both commonly used. Additives for polymer materials often also have a significant effect on improving the properties of these materials and reducing their costs. 　　Processing technology: The processing and shaping of polymer materials is not merely a physical process; it is an important step that determines the final structure and properties of these materials. Except for adhesives and coatings, which can generally be used directly without any processing, materials such as rubber, fibers, and plastics usually need to be processed using appropriate molding methods to become finished products. The common forming methods for general plastic products include extrusion, injection molding, calendering, blow molding, compression molding, or transfer molding. Rubber products undergo forming processes such as plasticization, mixing, calendering, or extrusion. Fiber production involves spinning solutions, fiber shaping and winding, post-treatment, stretching of the primary fibers, and heat setting. 　　During the molding process, polymers can be affected by changes in temperature, pressure, stress, and exposure time, leading to polymer degradation, cross-linking, and other chemical reactions that alter the polymeric aggregate structure and chemical structure. Therefore, the processing process not only determines the appearance, shape, and quality of polymer material products, but also has a significant impact on the supramolecular structure, microstructural arrangement, and even the chain structure of the materials. Books 　　 Book Information 　　Title: Polymer Materials 　　Author: Wang Lan 　　Publisher: China Light Industry Press 　　Publication Date: January 2009 　　ISBN: 9787501966547 　　Format: 16mo 　　Price: 52 yuan 　　Content Summary 　　Polymer Materials is a textbook designated for the 11th Five-Year Plan period in general higher education, and it is intended for use in undergraduate courses related to polymer materials engineering. The book is divided into three parts: the first part on resins, the second part on additives, and the third part on formula design. The book provides a detailed discussion of the properties, processing methods, and applications of various polymer materials, including: general-purpose plastics, general-purpose engineering plastics, special engineering plastics, thermosetting plastics, and rubbers. Furthermore, in conjunction with these polymer materials, the functions of various additives and their applications in polymer materials are introduced separately. Finally, by explaining the basics of formula design, design principles, and numerous examples of formula design, the contents of the three sections on polymer materials are connected in a coherent manner and integrated organically. Additionally, *exercises* are provided at the end of each chapter for students to practice. \"Polymer Materials\" is suitable as an undergraduate textbook for the polymer materials processing track in the field of polymer materials and engineering, and it can also serve as a reference book for technicians working in polymer materials processing. 　　 Polymer Materials Author: Huang Li, Editor-in-Chief Publisher: Chemical Industry Press Publication Date: 2005-9-1 Number of Pages: 396 ISBN: 9787502572396 Binding: Paperback Content Summary: This book covers the basic properties, functions, processing techniques, application environments, as well as the relationship between structure and composition of common plastics, engineering plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, coatings, adhesives, functional polymer materials, and polymer blend composites. This book also explains in simple terms the various new types of materials such as functional materials, smart materials, and biomimetic materials; on this basis, it introduces the latest knowledge and technologies in the field of polymer materials. 　　This book emphasizes the \"three practicalities\" principle of \"practicality, usability, and hands-on application\", features comprehensive content, and holds high academic value. 　　This book can be used as a textbook for undergraduate students majoring in polymer materials and processing at institutions of higher education, as well as a primary reference for postgraduate students. It is also of great value as a reference for engineering and technical professionals involved in the production, processing, application, and research of polymer materials. 　　 Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 History of the Development of Polymer Materials
1.2 Types and Characteristics of Polymer Materials
1.2.1 Plastics
1.2.2 Rubbers
1.2.3 Fibers
1.2.4 Coatings
1.2.5 Adhesives
1.2.6 Polymer-Based Composites
1.2.7 Polymer Alloys
1.2.8 Functional Polymer Materials
1.3 Molding and Processing of Polymer Materials
1.3.1 Extrusion Molding
1.3.2 Injection Molding
1.3.3 Blow Molding
1.3.4 Compression Molding

Chapter 2 General-Purpose Plastics
2.1 Polyethylene
2.1.1 Overview of Polyethylene
2.1.2 Structure and Properties of Polyethylene
2.1.3 Processability of Polyethylene
2.1.4 Processing Techniques for Polyethylene
2.1.5 Other Types of Polyethylene
2.2 Polypropylene
2.2.1 Structure of Polypropylene
2.2.2 Properties of Polypropylene
2.2.3 Processability of Polypropylene
2.2.4 Modification of Polypropylene
2.3 Other Polyolefins
2.3.1 Poly-1-butene
2.3.2 Poly-4-methyl-1-pentene
2.4 Polyvinyl Chloride
2.4.1 Structure of Polyvinyl Chloride
2.4.2 Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride
2.4.3 Molding and Processing of Polyvinyl Chloride
2.4.4 Additives for Polyvinyl Chloride
2.4.5 Modified Polyvinyl Chloride
2.5 Polystyrene Resins
2.5.1 Polystyrene
2.5.2 High-Impact Polystyrene
2.5.3 ABS Resin
2.5.4 Other Styrene-Based Resins
2.6 Acrylic Resins
2.6.1 Polymethyl Methacrylate
2.6.2 Modified Varieties of Polymethyl Methacrylate
2.7 Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins
2.7.1 Synthesis of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins
2.7.2 Curing of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins
2.7.3 Properties of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins
2.7.4 Molding and Processing of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins
2.8 Amino Resins
2.8.1 Urea-Formaldehyde Resins
2.8.2 Melamine-Formaldehyde Resins
2.9 Epoxy Resins
2.9.1 Characteristics of Epoxy Resins
2.9.2 Types of Epoxy Resins
2.9.3 Curing Agents for Epoxy Resins
2.9.4 Other Auxiliary Agents for Epoxy Resins
2.9.5 Processability of Epoxy Resins
2.10 Unsaturated Polyesters
2.10.1 Raw Materials for Unsaturated Polyesters
2.10.2 Curing of Unsaturated Polyester Resins
2.10.3 Processability of Unsaturated Polyester Resins
2.10.4 Other Types of Unsaturated Polyester Resins
2.11 Polyurethanes
2.11.1 Basic Raw Materials for Synthetic Polyurethanes
2.11.2 Polyurethane Foam Plastics
2.11.3 Polyurethane Elastomers

Chapter 3 Engineering Plastics
3.1 Polyamides
3.1.1 Structure and Properties of Polyamides
3.1.2 Processability of Polyamides
3.1.3 Other Types of Polyamides
3.1.4 Application Areas of Polyamides
3.2 Polycarbonates
3.2.1 Structure and Properties of Polycarbonates
3.2.2 Processability of Polycarbonates
3.2.3 Other Types of Polycarbonates
……

Chapter 4 Synthetic Fibers
Chapter 5 Rubbers
Chapter 6 Coatings and Adhesives
Chapter 7 Functional Polymer Materials
Chapter 8 Polymer Blended Composites

I learned * here. What about plastic films? Don’t they also belong to polymer materials? What is the production process for plastic films? Seeking advice

Plastic films are a general term for a category of materials. Your question is too vague to answer; it’s like asking how much a ticket is to go home – the cost varies depending on whether you take a train, car, or plane