Over the years, the types of polymers have evolved across the globe. Industrial polymers have plenty of applications that benefit everyone in our everyday lives. 

Some way or the other, you must have used a product composed of different polymers. There is a possibility that you are using a few industrial polymers to produce commercial themed products in your business. 

Here is the list of the 9 commonly used polymers:

1. Polyurethanes

This one is a versatile polymer formed by reacting an alcohol and an isocyanate that can be made into elastomers, rigid and flexible foams, fibers, and surface coatings. The flexible polyurethane foam is extensively used in bedding, crash panels, upholstery, automobile seats, sponges, textile laminates, and carpet underlays.

You must have heard of spandex. Spandex is commonly used in apparel that requires high stretch requirements like sportswear and swimsuits etc. Elastomers are used as industrial rollers, automobile parts, shoe soles, medical equipment, roller-skate, etc.

2. Polyethylene (PE)

You will be very surprised to know a fact that Polyethylene is the largest single class of plastics that you used almost every day unknowingly.

This is a dense, moderately stiff, high strength and crystalline product. This is usually used in bottle caps, pails, appliance housings, etc.

3. Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is composed of chain-growth polymerization of propylene compound. Home-furnishing fabrics, disposable non-woven fabrics for medical applications, and diapers are made of polypropylene.

It is also used in toys, appliance housings, outdoor furniture, and dishwasher-proof food containers.

4. Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate better known as engineering plastic is characterized by its excellent stiffness because of different aromatic rings. The impact strength of the polyester can be extruded, blow-molded, or injection-molded. 

This polymer holds a strong position in the market as it has wide application in industries. It is used for making shatter-proof windows, safety helmets, and safety shields.

5. Polysiloxanes/Silicones

Why do Silicones contain alternating oxygen and silicon atoms in their structure?

These polymers exist as adhesives, liquids, resins, elastomers, and greases as they hold the property of being stable even at low and high temperatures. They are also resistant to oxidation and water, and great inertness.  

This is the reason why these properties make silicone to become a part of flexible molds, electrical insulators, gaskets & caulks, heat-resistant seals, O-rings, and surgical implants.

6. Nylon

Nylon. Yes, we know you have heard of this name before. This is quite a popular polymer. 

The properties of this polymer are characterized by its high strength, abrasion resistance, elasticity, luster, mildew resistance, shape-holding, and dyeability properties. All the aforementioned properties have made the polymer ideal for innumerable applications in machinery, automobiles, home furnishings, and apparel.

Nylon is extensively used for home furnishings and clothing especially in sports garments, lingerie, hosiery, ropes, parachutes, artificial leather, disposable garments, automobile tires, seat belts, carpets, and stretch fabrics.

Conclusion

Industrial polymers are important in our lives and are differently used based on their properties. Polymer chemistry has now crossed the traditional lines of all branches of chemistry, biology, physics, material, engineering, and pharmacy.

The aforementioned examples are some of the most popular industrial polymers available. Although there are many other common this blog has focused on only a few.