Functional polymers - Yesterday's functional polymers

Japanese: 機能性高分子 - きのうせいこうぶんし

A polymer compound that exhibits special functions due to its characteristic molecular structure or reactive groups. In a broad sense, it can include biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids, but it usually refers to synthetic polymer compounds. General polymer compounds such as fibers and plastics are used as structural materials that utilize their physical strength and chemical stability, while polymers with other special functions are distinguished from them. Typical examples include water-absorbing polymers that can absorb and retain large amounts of water, photosensitive polymers used in photoresists, and ion exchange resins. Other examples include polymer membranes with the ability to separate substances, biocompatible polymers such as artificial blood vessels, artificial heart valves, and artificial teeth, photoconductive polymers with electronic functions, and polymers with electrical conductivity and piezoelectricity.

Source : Heibonsha Encyclopedia About MyPedia Information

Japanese:

特徴的な分子構造や反応性のある基をもつことなどによって，特別な機能を現す高分子化合物。広義にはタンパク質や核酸などの生体高分子を含めることもあるが，ふつうは合成の高分子化合物をさす。繊維やプラスチックなど一般的な高分子化合物が，物理的強度と化学的安定性を利用した構造形成材料として使われるのに対し，それ以外の特殊な機能をもつものを区別していう。たとえば，大量の水を吸収・保持できる吸水性高分子，フォトレジストに用いられる感光性高分子，イオン交換樹脂などが典型的なもの。そのほか，物質の分離機能をもった高分子膜，人工血管・人工心臓弁・人工歯などの生体適合性高分子，電子機能をもつ光導電性高分子，通電性や圧電性をもつ高分子など多様なものがある。

出典　株式会社平凡社百科事典マイペディアについて　情報

<<: Functional uterine bleeding

>>: Functionalist architecture