PDF - Institut national polytechnique de Toulouse

organizes itself to recycle its own parts. Some inventions in the domain of catalysis allow
the diversification of molecular structures, particularly of polyethylenes. The
consequences of this are the possibility of fine adjustment of products regarding end-use,
price reductions, and recycling ability. The 90s’ globalization brings a high concentration
of production and an increased standardization of qualities. The hasty evolution of the
polymer industry raises a question: is it still possible to make new discoveries in this
field, to develop new types of polymers with new properties? In short, have polymers still
a future? Human biology polymers are just on their beginning. Electronics and
optoelectronics are also sectors that demand new materials. New markets are developed.
Even though the tonnage of such polymers is not so important and classical models of
industrial companies is less and less implicated in new developments, the level of
scientific research remains virtually the same.
Classification
Polymers can be classified according to their configuration, thermophysical properties,
and polymerization reactions.
Polymer Configurations
A polymer can have any of three basic molecular shapes. The shape is determined by the
functionality of the monomers, which make up the polymer. The three configurations are
(see Fig. 4):
linear – long, linear polymer chains;
branched – long chains with arms coming from branch points;
network – long chains linked together by crosslinking arms; a crosslinked network of
chains.
— 38 —