INORGANIC POLYMER Meaning and
Definition
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An inorganic polymer is a class of polymers that do not contain carbon atoms in their backbone chain, meaning they lack carbon-based molecular structures. Unlike organic polymers, which are based on carbon atoms, inorganic polymers often consist of atoms such as silicon, boron, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfur, or metal ions, forming the structural units. These polymers can be synthesized through various methods, including condensation, polymerization, or coordination processes.
Inorganic polymers possess unique characteristics and properties that can be exploited for specific applications. They often exhibit remarkable thermal stability, high melting points, excellent mechanical strength, resistance to harsh environments, and resistance to degradation. These properties make them highly suitable for applications where organic polymers are not suitable or fail to meet the required specifications.
Due to their diverse composition and properties, inorganic polymers find applications in a wide range of fields. They are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical applications. Examples of inorganic polymers include polyphosphazenes, polysiloxanes, polyboranes, and coordination polymers.
In summary, an inorganic polymer refers to a class of polymers that lack carbon-based molecular structures in their backbone chain. They exhibit unique characteristics and properties, which can be harnessed for various industrial applications, owing to their diverse composition of non-organic elements.
Etymology of INORGANIC POLYMER
The etymology of the term "inorganic polymer" can be broken down as follows:
1. Inorganic: The word "inorganic" comes from the combination of the prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "without" and the word "organic". The term "organic" originally referred to living organisms or their products. However, in the field of chemistry, "organic" is used to describe compounds containing carbon atoms. Therefore, "inorganic" refers to substances that do not contain carbon or are not derived from living organisms.
2. Polymer: The word "polymer" comes from the Greek roots "poly", meaning "many", and "meros", meaning "part". It was coined by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in the early 19th century. A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating subunits called monomers.
