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The field of polymers is so vast and the applications so varied, that it is important to understand how polymers are made and used. Since there are over 60,000 different plastics vying for a place in the market, knowledge of this important field can truly enrich our appreciation of this wonder material. Companies manufacture over 30 million tons of plastics each year, and spend large sums on research, development, and more efficient recycling methods. Below we learn some of the scientific principles involved in the production and processing of these fossil fuel derived materials known as polymers.