1. Origin
- Natural Polymers: Found in nature; produced by plants, animals, or microbes.
- Synthetic Polymers: Man-made; prepared artificially in laboratories or industries.
2. Examples
- Natural Polymers: Cellulose, starch, proteins, natural rubber, silk, wool.
- Synthetic Polymers: Nylon, polyester, polyethylene, Teflon, Bakelite.
3. Structure
- Natural Polymers: Usually have complex structures, often biodegradable.
- Synthetic Polymers: Can be designed with specific properties; may or may not be biodegradable.
4. Properties
- Natural Polymers: Generally biodegradable, eco-friendly, but may have limited mechanical strength.
- Synthetic Polymers: Strong, durable, resistant to chemicals, but many are non-biodegradable.
5. Uses
- Natural Polymers: Food, clothing, adhesives, medicinal uses.
- Synthetic Polymers: Packaging, textiles, engineering materials, household items, plastics.
In short: Natural polymers occur naturally and are often biodegradable, whereas synthetic polymers are human-made and can be engineered for specific properties, but many are not biodegradable.