Differentiate Natural Polymers from Synthetic Polymers

Introduction

Polymers are macromolecules composed of tiny particles known as monomers. Polymers comprise a vast range of substances that are quite important in our daily lives. These polymers can be categorised in a variety of ways, including structure, chemical or physical characteristics, and so on. Polymers are classified into 2 categories: natural polymers (NP) as well as synthetic polymers (SP). Natural polymers (NP) are polymer complexes that are present in nature. Synthetic polymers (SP) are artificially generated polymer complexes. This is the primary distinction between natural as well as synthetic polymers (SP).

What is a Natural Polymer?

They are found in biological systems that are composed of organic or inorganic components. These are present in nature that plays an important part in the vital processes of an organism. They are made up of monosaccharides, amino acids, plus nucleotides as subunits. Polysaccharides, such as cellulose as well as starch, are sugar polymers, whereas proteins are amino acids including other chemical polymers. They play a range of activities in the body, including giving structural integrity to cells, conveying genetic information through generations, acting as a source of energy, and contributing to the many metabolic operations of the biological system. E.g., plant discharge latex (rubber) is utilised in industries. Rubber is a kind of isoprene polymer. Carbon allotropes like graphite as well as diamond are also natural inorganic polymers formed by carbon catenation.

What is Synthetic Polymer?

They are produced as a by-product of lab chemical processes. These macromolecules do not exist in nature but must be synthesised. It is long-chain polyethylene, which is created by adding ethylene subunits to a forming long chain. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a temperature-sensitive vinyl chloride polymer that is often used. In addition to these 2 forms of polymers, there is a 3_rd kind of polymer called semi-synthetic polymers, which are created from naturally occurring cellulose. The term semi-synthetic polymer refers to a polymer that has a natural origin but is finally synthesised in a lab.

Difference between Natural and Synthetic Polymers

Natural Polymers	Synthetic Polymers
They are organic compounds made up of massive macromolecules generated by the joining of tiny components known as monomers.	They are materials created artificially in labs and businesses via chemical processes.
They are found in nature.	They are created by chemical processes but do not occur naturally.
Biological activities make natural polymers.	Chemical methods are used to create synthetic polymers.
Biological processes destroy natural polymers quickly.	They are stiff and do not naturally break down through biological processes.
They are difficult to manipulate as needed.	Under regulated conditions, synthetic polymers may be changed in labs.
They are ecologically beneficial since they disintegrate naturally.	They are not ecologically friendly since they take a long time to degrade.
E.g., proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and other natural polymers	E.g., polystyrene, nylon, silicone, and other synthetic polymers

Examples of Natural Polymers

• Carbohydrates are macromolecules that are found in all living creatures. They are made up of monomers known as monosaccharides. Carbohydrate molecules are classed as di, tri, tetra, or polysaccharide-based on the no. of monosaccharide units present. They work as fuels and provide a lot of energy.

• Proteins are polypeptides that are made up of individual amino acids. The macromolecular structure is formed by combining these amino acids with the assistance of peptide connections. Enzymes are well-known proteins that aid in the catalysis of biological processes.

• Deoxyribonucleic Acid & Ribonucleic Acid (DNA & RNA) − These components are required for the survival of all living organisms. DNA & RNA contain genetic material in the form of codons, which are passed down through generations via cell division.

• Chitin is an N-acetylglucosamine polymer that is a crucial element of arthropod exoskeletons. They can also be found in large no. in the fungal cell wall.

• Rubber − This polymer made of isoprene units is derived from plants as latex, which is then processed to produce the rubber utilised on a large scale. An elastomer is a kind of natural rubber used in industry. Various rubbers are available according to the tree through which the rubber latex is gathered; for instance, the Amazonian rubber tree on wounding generates high-quality rubber latex.

• Silk is a biopolymer comprising sericin as well as fibroin that occurs naturally. This polymer can be discovered in arthropod species. Furthermore, the content of the silk produced changes depending on the species of insect involved. Bombyx Mori is a silkworm which has been around for commercial silk manufacturing for many years.

Need to Studying Polymers

With the difference between natural but also synthetic polymers (SP), they are indeed a crucial contribution to our daily lives, we can speculate on what other possibilities exist for forming synthetic polymers (SP) to establish a range of materials or items using the polymerization technique. Researchers have been working on polymers with their prospective alignments to produce as well as improve items utilised in our everyday lives; also, polymer nanotechnology is a term that is being signified as the advanced future of polymers. As a result, polymers may be regarded as a critical subject to research and explore in chemistry.

Conclusion

Human life contains both natural and manufactured polymers. Natural polymers (NP) include proteins, amino acids, DNA, and RNA, which are employed in a variety of food, pharmaceutical, and medical businesses. These compounds have been examined nowadays, with the return of man to nature. Synthetic polymers (SP) are generated from petroleum but may be divided into organic as well as inorganic polymers. This form of polymer is created by mixing a no. of basic components. It is dangerous to human life but is also progressively being phased out in industrialised countries. It is anticipated that someday, these drugs would be fully eliminated from humankind in all nations across the globe.

FAqs

1. Is natural polymer (NP) degradation possible?

Biopolymers are biodegradable polymers found in nature. A good form of natural polymer (NP) is a polysaccharide, which includes starch plus cellulose. Biodegradable goods may be made using proteins as well as other natural polymers (NP). These are the two most frequent renewable biopolymer sources.

2. What are the properties of synthetic polymers (SP)?

The main properties of synthetic polymers (SP)are high strength, modulus to weight ratios, toughness, resilience, corrosion resistance, lack of conductivity, pigment, transparency, and manufacturing.

3. Why are synthetic polymers (SP) unable to decompose?

These polymers are constructed from long chains of carbon (C) as well as hydrogen (H) atoms. The interatomic bonding of these polymers is highly strong yet tenacious, making them resistant to microorganisms trying to break or consume them. All plastics including synthetic fibres are non-biodegradable in origin.

4. What is the function of a synthetic polymer (SP)?

Polyethylene is a polymer that is used in the production of plastic bags but also film wraps. PVC is a material that is commonly used for siding, pipes, including flooring. Synthetic polymer (SP) polystyrene is used in cabinetry as well as packaging. Polyvinyl acetate is used in adhesives but also latex paints.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic polymers (SP)?

They all have made life simpler and so more convenient in a no. of ways, but there is one drawback. The raw materials used to produce them could become rare but removing synthetic polymers (SP) is a complicated as well as time-consuming operation.