The study of the synthesis, characterization and properties of polymer molecules or macromolecules is the sub-discipline of chemistry called Polymer chemistry . Other sub-disciplines of chemistry like analytical chemistry , organic chemistry and physical chemistry have the same principles and methods used for polymer chemistry . P olymer science or nanotechnology can be included as the broader fields of Polymer chemistry . According to their origin, polymers can be subdivided into biopolymers and synthetic polymers . The structural and functional materials that comprise most of the organic matter in organisms are Biopolymers. The structural materials shown in plastics, synthetic fibers, mechanical parts, paints, building materials, furniture, and adhesives are Synthetic polymers . They can be further divided into thermoplastic polymers and thermoset plastics . Almost all synthetic polymers are derived from petrochemicals .