1 - Introduction to Plastics and Polymers

Abstract

This chapter is an introduction to polymer chemistry as it applies to the plastic materials used to makes films. It includes polymerization chemistry and the different types of polymers and how they differ from each other. The subjects of copolymers, branching, cross-linking, steric hindrance, isomerism, crystallinity, and other factors that affect the molecular structures of the polymers used to make films are discussed in this chapter. Plastics are often compounded with other materials, so reinforcement, fillers, and additives are reviewed. Because permeation is an important property of films, the influence of molecular structure on permeation is examined. A basic understanding of plastic and polymer chemistry will make the discussion of permeation and the physical, mechanical, electrical, thermal properties of specific films easier to understand, and it also provides a basis for the introductions of the plastic film families in later chapters.