1.
On the Basis of Origin/Occurrence
Natural Polymers: Derived directly from nature (plants, animals, or rocks).
o Examples: Natural rubber (1,4-cis-polyisoprene), starch, proteins, cellulose, and quartz.
Synthetic Polymers: Man-made polymers synthesized in laboratories.
o Examples: Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and polyester.
Semi-synthetic Polymers: Natural polymers that are chemically modified for commercial
use. They often feature a natural polymer backbone with synthetic pendent groups.
o Examples: Hydrogenated rubber, cellulose nitrate, and cellulose acetate.
2. On the Basis of Polymerization Mechanism
Chain Growth Polymers: Formed by the self-addition of monomers (usually olefins)
without the elimination of any side products. The molecular weight is an exact multiple of the
monomer's weight.
o Examples: Polybutadiene, polystyrene, and PVC.
Step Growth Polymers: Formed via a step-wise reaction between monomers with functional
groups (like -COOH and -NH₂), accompanied by the elimination of small molecules like
water.
o Examples: Nylon, polyurethane, and polyester.
3. On the Basis of Polarity
Non-Ionic Polymers: Contain no charge-bearing moieties in the polymer chain.
o Examples: Polyethylene and polypropylene.
Ionic Polymers (Polyelectrolytes): Contain charged groups, typically on the pendent chains.
o Example: Sulfonated polyethylene.
4. On the Basis of Structure
Linear Polymers: Long, straight chains of monomers with only two ends; typically
synthesized via condensation.
o Examples: Nylon and polystyrene.
Branched Polymers: Main chains have smaller branches attached. These are sub-divided
into:
o Graft Copolymers: Different molecules form branches on a main chain.
o Star Polymers: Linear polymers joined at a common central point.
o Dendrimers: Tree-like structures with extensive, symmetrical branching and no single
backbone.
o Comb Polymers: Branches hang off the main backbone like the teeth of a comb.
Crosslinked or Network Polymers: Chains are interconnected by covalent bonds to form
3D networks.
o Planar Network: 2D structures (e.g., Graphite, ladder polymers).
o Space Network: 3D structures (e.g., Diamond).
5. On the Basis of Thermal Behavior
Thermosets: Polymers that undergo a chemical change (crosslinking) upon heating and
solidify permanently. They cannot be remolded or recycled.
o Examples: Epoxy resins, diene rubbers, and unsaturated polyesters.
Thermoplastics: Polymers that soften on heating and harden on cooling. This process is
reversible, allowing them to be recycled multiple times.
o Examples: PVC and polyethers.
6. On the Basis of Tacticity
This refers to the spatial arrangement of side groups around the asymmetric carbon atoms.
Isotactic: All chiral centers have the same configuration (e.g., R-R-R-R). This leads to high
crystallinity and close packing.
Syndiotactic: Chiral centers alternate in configuration (e.g., R-S-R-S). These are less
crystalline than isotactic polymers.
Atactic (Heterotactic): Random arrangement of side groups. These have the lowest
crystallinity and are the most loosely packed.
7. On the Basis of Geometrical Isomerism
Cis Polymers: Similar groups are positioned on the same side of a double bond (e.g., cis-1,4-
polyisoprene).
Trans Polymers: Similar groups are positioned on opposite sides of the double bond.
8. On the Basis of Morphology
Crystalline Polymers: Highly ordered regions characterized by a distinct melting point
($T_m$).
Amorphous Polymers: Disordered structures characterized by a glass transition temperature
($T_g$), where they change from a hard glassy state to a soft rubbery state.
9. On the Basis of Application & Physical Properties
Polymers are broadly categorized based on their mechanical behavior into:
o Rubbers (Elastomers)
o Plastics
o Fibers