The question asks us to identify which of the listed options is not a natural polymer. To solve this, we need to understand what constitutes a natural polymer and what does not.
Definition: A natural polymer is a polymer that occurs in nature and can be extracted. They are formed through processes occurring in plants and animals.
Protein: Proteins are natural polymers composed of amino acid monomers linked together. They perform a variety of functions within living organisms, forming structures such as muscles, enzymes, and hormones.
Starch: Starch is a natural polymer made up of glucose monomers. It is produced by plants as a way of storing energy.
Rubber: Natural rubber is a polymer made from isoprene monomers and is obtained from the latex of rubber trees. It is widely used for its elasticity and strength.
Rayon: Rayon is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose. While it is made from natural sources, it requires significant chemical processing and is not considered a natural polymer.
Conclusion: The correct answer is Rayon because it is not a naturally occurring polymer. Rayon is man-made and involves transforming natural cellulose through chemical processes.
Natural Polymers are polymers that occur spontaneously in plants and animals. Examples include resins, starch, and rubber.
Semi-Synthetic Polymers are a type of natural rubber that has been traded. This means that natural rubbers are chemically processed to clarify them as semi-synthetic. For instance, this subcategory involves cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate.
Synthetic Polymers are polymers that have been entirely created by humans. Synthetic polymers such as polythene, nylon 66, and synthetic rubber are commonly employed.
Based on the Structure of the Monomer Chain:
Linear Polymers are devised of monomers in a long, straight chain. PVC with a linear structure is also a polymer.
Branched Polymers are linear polymers with few branches in them. One of all examples is low-density polythene.
Cross-linked or network polymer: Polymers with cross-linked links between them are termed cross-linked or network polymers. They're in general, made up of bi-functional or tri-functional monomers. This type of polymer involves bakelite and melamine.
Based on Polymerization:
Addition Polymerization: For Example, Teflon, poly ethane, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Condensation Polymerization: Example, Perylene, Nylon -6, 6, polyesters.
