Synthetic Polymers
Abstract
Giant molecules were long believed not to exist, but polymers became a fact in the 1930s, with poly(alkenes), polyamides, and polyesters in time to be used in World War II, notably Perspex cockpits and nylon parachutes. Since then, plastics have become commonplace, with a world production of over 400 million tons a year. Over 75% of plastic is discarded as waste, notably packaging, and there is an urgent need for recycling to advance beyond the current 10%. “Microplastics”, fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm, are an issue of concern, not least because of their possible effects on living things.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Polymer crystallization and properties
biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 244–258
- Publication date
- 31 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter