Solids: Thermodynamics and Bonding

Covalent Bonding in Macromolecules

· Many important macromolecules are based on a carbon backbone structure. This backbone is bonded covalently.
· Typical macromolecules may have molecular weights of 10⁶ or more as compared to weights of 1 to 100 associated with elemental materials.
· The structure of such a macromolecule repeats a basic unit, a Mer, to form a Polymer. The example shown below is polyethylene.

From: Callister, "Materials Science and Engineering," Wiley (1997)