Polymerization is used in a variety of industries to create substances.
In short, it is the process whereby two or more monomers are brought together under high temperatures and pressures sufficient to cause such a combination.
This allows for the production of compounds called polymers, hence the term polymerization.
Polyetheretherketone is one of the most important polymers around today, together with polystyrene and polyamide.
About polyetheretherketone Polyetheretherketone itself is an organic plastic that is colorless and mainly used in the engineering industry.
As with many other polymers, the units of polyetheretherketone are held together by string chemical bonds.
This is what makes it resistant to degradation, and as such is strong, durable and also heat resistant.
It is fast becoming the foremost substance when it comes to manufacturing thermoplastics, simply because of its stability in high temperatures.
As a polymer it is the preferred choice over the range of monomers available for use.
Uses of polymers There are many used of polymers, which stem directly from their properties.
For example, because they are heat resistant they make for excellent products to use in industries where manufacturing processes generate a lot of heat in its various forms.
Polyetheretherketone is a polymer well known for its durability, and this is what makes it a popular choice in the mechanical industry through the formation of parts.
Another great thing about it is that it is chemical resistant, allowing it to be used in harsh chemical environments, especially those involving scientific experiments.
Problems with polymers While these substances are all great for manufacture, when they eventually lose their usefulness they are simply discarded.
The problem is that because they are so string they are not as susceptible to biodegrading by themselves.
This means more attention needs to be paid to getting rid of it in a clean and environmentally friendly way.