Category Polymers

How are microorganisms related to the process of polymerization?

          There are millions and millions of microorganisms around us which thrive in a variety of conditions. Some of these microorganisms play a part in the synthesis of polymers. Wonder how?

           Some microorganisms can live in extreme conditions. There are some thermal resistant bacteria that can withstand temperatures as high as 350 degrees Celsius and they are used in chain growth polymerization. It is a mechanism of polymerization in which monomers get added to a growing polymer chain. Some of these microorganisms are also used in the production of medicines.

           Apart from this, there are millions of tiny creatures in the sea that sink into the seabed when they die. Calcium carbonate is a common inorganic substance found in organisms that do not easily decompose. It piles up in the seabed and forms huge deposits of chalk and lime with the passing of time which is later used for making useful polymers like plastic and polyvinyl chloride.

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Is cartilage a polymer?

               Cartilage is a soft, yet firm tissue which performs some important functions in our body. It’s a flexible tissue found in the joints that connects bones. It also helps in the formation of bones. Cartilage too is a polymer.

               Cartilage is a protein made of amino acids. It is not only present in human beings, but also in other animals and some fishes. A fish with cartilage is commonly known as cartilaginous fish. Cartilage is tough, flexible and provides enough structural support.

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Were roads named after polymers?

          It will be ridiculous to name a road after polypropylene or polystyrene. But there is an important route in world history that was named after a polymer. Remember the Silk Road?

          The Silk Road is an ancient trade route that connects Asia and the Mediterranean Sea. It is named so because silk from China was a major article of trade then. As we all know, silk is a polymer which is used for making fine clothing. But, that is not the only use of silk.

           Silk is also used for making other products like sleeping bags, surgical sutures and bedding. Till some time ago, it was even used to make parachutes. Nylon was synthesized as an alternative for silk, but it does not possess all of its qualities.

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Can we wear polymers?

          We all might have worn clothes made of cotton, wool and silk at one point or the other. Most of us must have used belts, shoes and wallets made of leather. By now, we know that all these are polymers.

          Wool is made of fur obtained from different animals like sheep, llamas, angora rabbits and even foxes. Wool is used to make a range of clothing like socks, gloves and sweaters. It is one of the first materials used by Man to make clothing. Fur is made of a protein called keratin. Fur clothing is highly fashionable now.

          Leather, as discussed earlier, is obtained from the skin of animals. A variety of animals provide leather: crocodiles, kangaroos, dogs and cows to name a few. Did you know that leather pouches were once used to store water? It is still used to make bags and other containers. Cotton is made of cellulose and can be stretched to neat pieces of fabric.

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Does human skin share any similarity with that of animals?

          Human skin appears very different from that of animals. Think of an elephant’s skin and then take a look at yours. They are as different as chalk and cheese, isn’t it? Even all animals do not have the same texture of skin. But, they have one thing in common; both human and animal skin is made of a protein called collagen.

          Collagen has a fibre-like structure. It forms an elastic layer below the skin which makes it smooth and supple. Collagen present in animal skin can be made into leather by a process called tanning during which, the skin will be cross linked. This modification makes it strong and durable.

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Why was the tusk of a walrus used to make jewellery?

          The walrus is a sea animal with a not-so-pleasant appearance. But they were hunted for their tusks, meat and skin. They have long ivory tusks just like elephants.

          The tusk of a walrus is soft enough to be carved to any shape, but sturdy enough to stay for a really long time. Because of this, walrus tusks were used to make jewellery in the past. Wonder what the tusk is made of? The ivory tusk of a walrus is made of a protein, a polymer which makes our hair and fingernails. The protein provides longevity and softness lo the tusk. Now, we have a lot of alternatives for jewellery and this poor creature is largely spared.

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