Addition polymerization - a reaction in which monomer molecules join together repeatedly to form polymer molecules; no atoms are lost from the monomer molecules during the reaction

Aluminosilicate - a type of silicate with aluminium atoms replacing some of the silicon atoms at the centre of the tetrahedra

Amide linkage - a covalent bond formed between the carbon of the carboxyl group and the nitrogen of the amine group

Cellulose - an organic compound with the formula (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n which is the structural component of the primary cell wa

Ceramic - inorganic compounds of metals and non-metals; often oxides, nitrides or carbides, e.g. glass, porcelain and cement

Chitin - the main component of the shells of lobsters and crabs, and the external skeletons of insects and spiders; the polymer of the N-acetylglucosamine monomer

Composite - mixtures of the materials in the metal, polymer and ceramic classes, e.g. glass fibre reinforced polymers

Condensation polymer - polymers that are made by condensation polymerization

Condensation polymerization - a reaction in which monomer molecules join together repeatedly to form polymer molecules; small molecules such as water, hydrogen chloride and ammonia are always formed during th

Condensation reaction - a reaction in which two or more molecules react together to form a larger molecule with the elimination of a small molecule such as water

Cross-link - bonds that link one polymer chain to another

Ester linkage - a carboxylic acid monomer and an alcohol monomer join to form an ester linkage

Feldspar - pure quartz is a continuous three-dimensional network of silicon and oxygen atoms; in feldspars, one or two out of every four silicon atoms is(are) replaced by aluminium atom(s)

Kevlar - an aromatic polyamide which is used as the padding in bullet-proof vests 

Nylon - a condensation polymer containing amide linkage made from diamines and dicarboxylic acids; widely used as a textile fibre and replacement for steel parts

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) - an important condensation polymer which is used to make clothes and bottles for carbonated drinks

Polyester - condensation polymers containing ester linkage; formed between dicarboxylic acids and diols

Polylactide - a polyester whose monomer is lactic acid

Polymer - a compound which consists of very large molecules

Silicate - a group of minerals containing silicon and oxygen, e.g. quartz, feldspar and mica; minerals that comprise most (> 90%) of the Earth’s crust

Thermoplastic - a plastic that can be melted or softened by heat at relatively low temperatures repeatedly

Thermosetting plastic - a plastic that does not melt or soften on heating

Transesterification - a reaction in which one ester is converted into another

Urea-methanal - a condensation polymer made from urea and methanal; widely used in electrical fittings and handles of frying pans