1. Introduction
A detailed understanding of the molecular structure of polymers facilitates innovation. There is a clear goal in mind to produce plastics and rubbers with specific properties to meet the requirements of the end product. Suitable materials can replace existing materials in established applications or materials can be tailored to enable new products. During the last century, the technological advancements in polymers have been linked to spectacular growth in our quality of life and length of life. An innovation in materials often leads to an innovation in technology. The concept of an innovation often simply involves combining two existing concepts to give a new solution. A classic example of this is with the development of lithium-ion batteries, the use of plastics facilitates the development of a safe, low-cost battery due to it being a terrific ion conductor. Lithium-ion batteries are now the dominant battery system due to the worldwide use of mobile phones and laptops; these batteries are now an enabling technology for a sustainable energy future. The polymer development can range from very simple to highly complex. The aim in all cases is to create revolutionary products; however, often it is very difficult to predict how a polymer will behave in a finished product. This creates a big challenge for the polymer scientist. Another large challenge facing polymer scientists is the environmental impact of often poorly biodegradable polymer materials. There is a wide spectrum of environmental issues related to polymer-based materials. At one end of the scale, some polymer products can save energy and resources compared to alternative materials. An example being plastic packaging is lighter and has a lower environmental impact than the paper packaging it has replaced. At the other end of the scale, some polymer products have been so successful that their production has led to resource depletion issues. An example being the decline of natural rubber due to the production of synthetic rubber.
1.1. Definition of Polymer Science
The scientific study of the chemistry and physics of macromolecules, in particular the synthesis, structure, and properties of polymers, is the definition of polymer science. It is a multidisciplinary field, utilizing elements of both scientific and engineering practice. Polymers are high molecular weight compounds whose structure comprises a large number of similar units bonded together. Although the simplified molecular structure, the definition of a polymer, would lead one to use the word plastic in describing the material, a substantial portion of the early research in polymer science actually deals with rubbers and elastomers. In fact, the IEEE Engineering Science and Education Journal recognizes that most beginning students of the subject immediately envision a polymer as a plastic, and consequently believe that rubber is classified as an elastomer and elastomers are a subclass of polymers. Consequently, it is often helpful to describe to the student that polymers are materials made from linking together many smaller molecules, often termed monomers. Many different molecular structures can be formed from a single monomer, hence the units of monomer molecule and polymer are often used to describe the different size levels of the same substance.
1.2. Importance of Polymer Science Innovations
Polymer science innovations have laid the foundation for many new materials, which have improved the quality of life. In medicine, materials such as hydrogels, polymer membranes, and biodegradable polymers are vital to further progress. The field of medicine is constantly being revolutionized, and polymers will have a large impact on the future of it. Tissue engineering is a rapidly growing field, which offers a new solution to a wide variety of tissue defects and it’s creating a huge demand for new polymers. This is an exciting new area that uses cells as building blocks, and it will require a whole new generation of polymers to provide the structural and bioactive properties for successful tissue regeneration. Global problems such as climate change and the need for renewable energy and resources are creating an increasing demand for new types of materials. Polymers will play a key role in solving these problems because it’s the unique properties of polymers which make them an alternative to conventional materials. The range of different types of polymers is vast and there is still much that can be done to improve existing polymers and develop new ones. The possibilities are endless, ranging from new materials for drug delivery to organic electronic devices to harness solar energy. Polymers will be a key factor in creating a sustainable future.
1.3. Current Challenges in Polymer Science
Since the peaks in funding support of polymer research in the 1970-80s, there has been a real-terms decrease in research dollars and the constant threat of ‘peer-reviewed decline’ of grants. This is significant when compared with the increase in basic and advanced materials research into areas such as nano-materials, biomaterials, and computational and simulation methods. Plastics are becoming more and more complex, high-tech, and high-value materials; however, there is a lack of polymer research funding to support these advances. These issues are leading research graduates to seek employment in fields outside of polymer research. In China, India, and developing countries, plastics and polymer research and education is limited. The global nature of polymers research fundamentally requires a global network of highly educated scientists to be sustainable. Current trends in developed countries cannot be maintained if an international standard is to be met.
The report identified three key challenges in polymer research that are having an adverse effect on the progress of discoveries and innovations in the area: 1) The restriction in government and industry research funds. 2) The blurred boundaries, high competition and often duplication of research effort in the current global research environment. 3) The generalist character of research and education in polymer science. These three challenges are considered and detailed below.
2. Polymer Synthesis
2.1. Step-Growth Polymerization
2.2. Chain-Growth Polymerization
2.3. Copolymerization Techniques
3. Polymer Characterization
3.1. Molecular Weight Determination
3.2. Thermal Analysis Techniques
3.3. Spectroscopic Methods for Polymer Analysis
4. Polymer Processing
4.1. Extrusion Techniques
4.2. Injection Molding
4.3. Blow Molding
4.4. Film Casting and Calendering
5. Polymer Applications
5.1. Packaging Materials
5.2. Biomedical Applications
5.3. Automotive Industry
5.4. Electronics and Electrical Engineering
6. Polymer Recycling and Sustainability
6.1. Challenges in Polymer Recycling
6.2. Advances in Polymer Recycling Technologies
6.3. Sustainable Polymer Materials
7. Future Trends in Polymer Science
7.1. Nanotechnology in Polymer Science
7.2. Biodegradable Polymers
7.3. Self-Healing Polymers
7.4. Shape Memory Polymers
8. Conclusion
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