Acrylic vs. Polymer: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Acrylic is a type of synthetic resin used in various materials and applications, often as a paint or plastic. Polymer is a broader term for large molecules made up of repeated subunits, which can include acrylic but also many other substances.
Key Differences
Acrylic is a specific type of polymer made from the polymerization of esters. It is commonly used in paints, plastics, and other materials. Polymer, on the other hand, is a broad term that describes large molecules composed of repeating subunits. Polymers can be natural like DNA or synthetic like polyester.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Acrylic tends to have specific uses, often in the form of sheets, paints, or fabrics. It is popular for its lightweight and transparent properties. Polymer is a much broader category that encompasses a wide range of materials, including plastics, resins, and even biological substances like proteins and DNA.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Grammatically, both acrylic and polymer function as nouns. However, "acrylic" can often be used as an adjective to describe materials that contain acrylic, such as "acrylic paint" or "acrylic fiber." "Polymer," while generally a noun, rarely serves as an adjective and is usually described by other adjectives like "synthetic polymer" or "natural polymer."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In summary, acrylic is a type of polymer with specific applications and characteristics. Polymer is a more general term encompassing a vast range of substances made from repeated molecular units. The former is a subset of the latter, but both have unique properties and applications.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Acrylic and Polymer Definitions
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Polymer
Any of numerous natural and synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Polymer
(organic chemistry) A long or larger molecule consisting of a chain or network of many repeating units, formed by chemically bonding together many identical or similar small molecules called monomers. A polymer is formed by polymerization, the joining of many monomer molecules.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Polymer
Any one of two or more substances related to each other by polymerism; specifically, a substance produced from another substance by chemical polymerization.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Polymer
A naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Acrylic
(painting) A paint containing an acrylic resin.
When it comes to painting, I prefer using acrylics as my medium.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Acrylic
Of or containing acryl, the hypothetical radical of which acrolein is the hydride; as, acrylic acid. The characteristic residue in an acrylic compound is the carbonyl group attached directly to an ethylenic carbon.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Acrylic
A paint in which the pigment is suspended in a solution of an acrylic resin, which dries to a hard film on exposure to air.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
FAQs
Are polymers recyclable?
Some polymers are recyclable, depending on the type.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Is acrylic toxic?
Generally, acrylic is considered non-toxic but can emit fumes.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
What is acrylic commonly used for?
Acrylic is commonly used in paints, plastics, and fabrics.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can acrylic be used as an adhesive?
Yes, acrylic can be formulated as an adhesive.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Are all polymers plastics?
No, not all polymers are plastics; they can also be biological.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
How are polymers made?
Polymers are made through polymerization, linking monomers together.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
