Polymer

A material composed of large molecules formed by linking a series of smaller chemical building blocks into long chains. Individual building blocks, called monomers, can be as simple as a few atoms or as complicated as ring-shaped structures containing a dozen or more atoms.

Examples of synthetic polymers include:

• Neoprene
• Nylon, Polyester, and Rayon
• Polyethylene
• Polystyrene

Polymers are now commonly used to make poppets and valve plates for reciprocating compressor valves and labyrinth interstage seals for centrifugal compressors.

See Polyamide-Imide, Polyetheretherketone, Polytetraflouroethylene, Thermoplastic Labyrinth Seal.