10 Weird Uses of Polymers That You Probably Haven’t Heard Of!

In 2016, there were about 335 million metric tons of plastic produced worldwide. From water bottles to packaging materials to containers, plastic is everywhere.

Most of what you’ve heard about plastics is likely bad, but that doesn’t mean what they’re made from is evil. We’re talking about polymers, which are the stuff that often make up plastics. Not all polymers, which are long chains of molecules in repeated units, are plastics.

In fact, if it’s not for the many uses of polymers, we wouldn’t have today’s shoes and garments! Our military and army men wouldn’t have Kevlar gear for protection. You wouldn’t even have a computer or smartphone to read this post.

All that should already give you an idea of the massive importance of polymers. But to make things more interesting, here are 10 other uses of these substances you likely didn’t know!

1. Soup Thickeners

Polymers are so versatile their use has extended to the kitchen! They’re common in thickening agents, such as all-purpose flour, agar, and cornstarch. Thanks to these, we can enjoy not only delish soups and sauces but also desserts and baked goodies.

Gelatin, including Jell-O, as well as pasta and vegetable gum, are also types of polymers.

2. Contact Lenses

Did you know that almost two in every three Americans have vision problems? Many of them suffer from blurry vision. Others have double vision or difficulties seeing at night.

No wonder that 45 million folks in the U.S. alone wear contact lenses! Without these vision correction tools, a lot of people are at serious risks of accidents.

And we have polymers to thank for these eyesight-boosters. Today, soft contact lenses consist of high-quality polymers. Most of them use the polymers hydrogel and silicone hydrogel.

3. Wound Sealant

Speaking of hydrogels, these polymers also serve as a wound sealant!

You read that right. The use of polymers now includes sealing wounds and injuries to slow severe bleeding. It’s also easy to remove them from the patient so that doctors can perform surgery.

4. Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is a risk that over a billion teenagers and young adults face. Worse, there are now over 37.5 million adults already suffering from some form of hearing loss.

Luckily, hearing aids are available for those who’ve already developed hearing difficulties. But remember, these are electronic devices. That’s why elements like ear wax, skin oils, and sweat can affect their performance.

Polymers, especially nano-coating technology, provide protection for these devices. They go over the entire hearing aid, preventing elements from ruining the electronics.

5. Keeping Your Garden Hydrated

Planning to grow your own weed after learning all the benefits of cannabis? If so, then know that in horticulture, polymers can help your plants survive during the dry season! One application of polymers in horticulture is the use of water-absorbent hydrogels.

These act as an emergency water reservoir for your plants. The roots can tap into these polymers for nourishment in case it’s the drought season. Plus, they help you conserve both water and fertilizer without tainting your harvest.

6. Truck Bed Liners

Truck bed liners are where some of the most important polymer uses in vehicles come into play. These coatings prevent dents, scratches, and other damages from ruining the bed’s surface. They’re very important for truckers who load a lot of tools, equipment, and other cargo on their trucks.

Bed liner manufacturers use polymers to make these protective and skid-resistant rubber coatings. These bed liners also have added features like abrasion-, chemical-, and salt-resistance. Because they’re rubber-like, these bed liners also have good wear and tear resistance.

7. Lighter, Safer, and More Efficient Vehicles

Because they’re lightweight, automakers use polymers to produce more efficient vehicles. Lighter vehicles can go farther in less time than heavier ones. In fact, a 10% reduction in vehicle weight can already improve fuel economy by up to 8%!

Furthermore, this lightweight property allows automakers to enhance vehicle safety. With more space in the car, there’s more room for airbags and electronic safety sensors. Plus, polymers are very strong and heat-tolerant, which boosts survival rate during accidents.

Certain types of polymers are also used for car customization, such as paint and sheens. Mixing them with chemicals also create higher UV- and damage-resistant finishes.

8. Sports Trainers

Most components of modern sports trainers, from the tip to the sole, consist of polymers. These repeating chemical units are present in laces, padding, and liners. Nylon, common in fabrics and synthetic leather, is actually a polymer.

9. Protective Sports Gear

Helmets in sports, like those used in football, baseball, and cricket, also rely on polymers. These polymers are in the impact-reducing hard plates of such sports protective equipment. They’re also used in producing comfort foams and padding.

Shoulder, elbow, and knee pads also have materials made from polymers. Like in helmets, these substances are important materials for foam and padding production.

10. Mountaineering Gear

Every year, Japan’s Mt. Fuji sees about 300,000 climbers, making it the most climbed mountain in the world. North America’s Mt. Monadnock ranks second, welcoming about 125,000 hikers and climbers every year. Those are only two of the many other mountains climbed every year throughout the world.

These show how more and more people have taken up mountaineering over the years. But without polymers, hiking these slopes are dangerous, even deadly. Gear, like ropes and rubber shoes, make this sport safer and more enjoyable.

Breathable and waterproof jackets and coats are also made from polymers. Even hiking poles, snow pants, and gloves also consist of these substances.

The Uses of Polymers Make Life Safer and More Convenient

These are only some of the many other uses of polymers, but they should be enough to make you realize how vital they are. Again, without them, we wouldn’t have today’s information, medical, and safety technology. Polymers aren’t always plastics, but they’re no doubt essential to our everyday lives.

Ready for even more interesting and weird facts you didn’t know about the stuff you always see? Then be sure to check out our other wow-eliciting posts here!

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