Polymers are molecules that contain many atoms, typically tens of thousands to millions. While many polymers occur naturally as products of biological processes, synthetic polymers are made by chemical processes that combine many monomers, together in chains, branched chains, or more complicated geometries. Starch, cellulose, proteins, and DNA are examples of natural polymers, while nylon, Teflon, and polyethylene are examples of the synthetic variety. Both classes possess a number of highly useful properties that are as much a consequence of the large size of these molecules as of their chemical composition. Although most synthetic polymers are organic, that is, they contain carbon as an essential element along their chains, other important polymers, such as silicones, are based on no carbon elements.

Although progress in polymer science and engineering can be considered ground-breaking, opportunities are abundant for creating new polymeric materials and modifying existing polymers for new applications; depolymerization and polymer recycling; biodegradable polymers; nano-composites, and the like. Scientific understanding is now replacing empiricism, and polymeric materials can be designed on the molecular scale to meet the ever more demanding needs of advanced technology. The possible control of synthetic processes by biological systems is promising as a means of perfecting structures. New catalysts offer the opportunity to make new materials with useful properties, and the design of new specialty polymers with high-value-added applications is an area of rapidly increasing emphasis. Theory, based in part on the availability of high-speed computing, offers new understanding and aids in the development of improved techniques for preparing polymers as well as predicting their properties. Analytical methods, including an array of new microscopic techniques particularly suited to polymers, have been developed recently and promise to work hand-in-hand with theoretical advances to provide a rational approach to developing new polymers and polymer products. The field of polymer science and engineering therefore shows no sign of diminished vigor, assuring new applications in medicine, biotechnology, electronics, and communications that will multiply the investment in research many times over in the next few decades

Polymer engineering uses the theory and knowledge of chemistry and physics to handle production, medication and use of polymers. The demand for polymer engineers is on the rise. Those who have obtained a B.E/B.Tech degree in polymer engineering, polymer science and rubber technology with high marks can opt for good jobs as well as higher education M.E/M.Tech/MS/Ph.D in polymer/rubber engineering.