Review article

Polymers – from the primeval beginning to plastics and elastomers

Igor ČATIĆ orcid.org/0000-0002-1916-5898 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Zagreb
Gordana BARIĆ ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Zagreb
Nenad CVJETIČANIN ; WOCO Bad Soden-Salmunster
Kata GALIĆ orcid.org/0000-0003-1501-8812 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty Food Technology and Biotechnology, Zagreb
Damir GODEC ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Zagreb
Ana Marija GRANCARIĆ ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb
Ivan KATAVIĆ ; Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Rijeka
Tonka KOVAČIĆ ; University of Split, Faculty of chemistry and Technology, Split
Pero RAOS orcid.org/0000-0001-9263-1325 ; J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Mechanical Engineering Faculty
Ana ROGIĆ ; Domes d.o.o., Karlovac
Maja RUJNIĆ - SOKELE orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-9388 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Zagreb
Nina VRANJEŠ ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zagreb
Domagoj VRSALJKO orcid.org/0000-0003-1383-5376 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zagreb
Branka ANDRIČIĆ orcid.org/0000-0001-6080-7840 ; University of Split, Faculty of chemistry and Technology, Split

Abstract

Based on the philosophic ideas of O. Spengler and Aristotle it has been determined that polymers are ancient since they reach back all the way to the origin of the basic natural organic and inorganic polymers. At the same time it has been noted that the word polymers is frequently used as a common name for plastics and elastomers. Since the basic natural organic polymers: proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides there is a long historical path. An attempt was made to present this path by means of a fl ow chart. For the mentioned description numerous defi nitions are required, as well as a motivating basis. This was done in Annexes A and B. The conclusion of the research is that primary shaping and primary structuring of natural polymers is around 3.5 billion years old and human separation with natural tools about 3.4 million years. Anyone involved in polymers should be educated at an adequate level of the necessary knowledge with the developed fl owchart.

Keywords

artefacts; basic polymers; elastomers; flow chart; plastics; polymer; products of nature

Hrčak ID:

62027

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/62027

Publication date:

3.12.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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