Classification of polymer based on origin or source:
(2) Synthetic polymer
(3) semi-synthetic polymer.
(1) Natural polymer:
These are the polymers which are isolated from natural materials. These are also known as biological polymers.
Their physical properties are fixed by the nature of the particular material. Example: Hide, Skin, Protein, Cellulose, Starch, Rubber, Wool, etc.
These polymers physical properties are fixed by the nature of the particular material and can't normally be varied.
The supplies are limited by agricultural condition and thus the materials are often expensive and subject to rapid fluctuations in price.
(2) Synthetic polymer:
These are the polymers which are synthesized from low molecular weight compounds. These polymers are manufactured from cheap & readily available materials. Their physical properties can be controlled for any desired application. Example: Polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc.
(3) Semi-synthetic polymer:
These polymers are isolated from nature but some chemicals are used to form semi-synthetic polymer. Example: Nitro-cellulose from cellulose.