polymers are also an important part of materials science. they are the raw materials used to make what we commonly call plastics. plastics are really the final product. they are made when polymers or additives have been added to a resin during processing. the mixture is then shaped into a final form. common polymers are, include polyethylene, polypropylene, pvc, polystyrene, nylons, polyesters, acrylics, polyurethanes, and polycarbonates.