Polymer Chemistry

NanoSonic has extensive expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry and builds on this background to continually innovate new technologies. New materials are developed from concept through application, with a focus on practical implementation of novel molecular architectures to realize functionalities not possible with conventional materials. NanoSonic’s benefit with polymer chemistry is in the novel synthesis of revolutionary materials, which are otherwise designed with practicality of application in mind; traditional legacy techniques may be used to implement NanoSonic’s materials such that a broad marketplace for integration is maintained.

Basics of Polymer Chemistry
Polymer chemistry is also known as macromolecular chemistry. This science deals with the chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers or macromolecules. A polymer or macromolecule is a chain of molecules joined together in a repeating fashion to form a single layer molecule. Each link of the chain is a basic unit, usually made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and/or silicon. To make the chain, many links are hooked or polymerized together, similar to the paper chains made by school children where strips of construction paper are connected to make garlands.

Manufactured or synthetic polymers are divided into two groups: thermoplastics and thermosets. The majority of polymers are thermoplastic that have the ability to be reheated after they've been formed - over and over again, facilitating processing and recycling of products such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, rayon, celluloid and silicone. Thermosets cannot be remelted and include products such as vulcanized rubber and epoxy.

Natural polymers include tortoise shells, horns and tree saps that produce amber and latex. Other biopolymers that are produced by living organisms include structural proteins (collagen, keratin, elastin), functional proteins (enzymes, hormones); cellulose and starch; and DNA and RNA.