A monomer is defined as an individual network of atom(s) or certain discrete molecule(s) bound chemically to analogous monomers to form a polymer. When two or more different monomeric units combine together to get polymerize, the product is called copolymer and the phenomenon is called copolymerization. Polymeric bonds can be divided into primary and secondary bonds. The primary bond is relatively stronger than the secondary bond. Primary bonds include covalent, ionic, ionic, and metallic bonds. Secondary bonds include van der Waals and hydrogen bonds. For example, inulin is a fructose polymer in which the fructose molecules are connected by β-(2,1)-glycosidic linkages. Because of this special β-linkage configuration between fructose monomers, inulin-type fructans cannot be degraded by the human digestive system and, therefore, blood sugar levels are not affected. Many polymer molecules are formed by covalent bonding of one or two types of repeating monomers. The degree of polymerization of a polymer is simply the number of repeating monomers in the molecule. Monomers are diverse and can be classified according to their properties or sources. Among them, bio-based monomers derived from plants or animals are widely used in biomaterials production due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, microstructure, morphology, modifiable mechanical properties, and versatility.
Amerigo Scientific provides high-quality monomer products with versatility, reliability, and precision for the synthesis and development of materials such as advanced medical polymers and other specialty polymers.
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