Types of Polymers

Depending upon the nature of the repeating structural units (monomers), polymers are divided into two broad categories.

1. Homopolymers
2. Copolymers

Homopolymer

A polymer formed from only one kind of monomers is called homopolymer. Polyethene is an example of homopolymer.

Copolymer

A polymer formed from more than one kind of monomer units is called copolymer or mixed polymer. For example, Buna-S rubber which is formed from 1, 3-butadiene (CH₂= CH – CH = CH₂) and styrene (C₆H₅CH = CH₂) is an example of copolymer.