Keith wrote:

No, "polymer" is a generic term including molecules of at least 100
carbons ...

This is a refreshing thread. Thanks for the lift.

Polymers do not require carbon, although polymers based on carbon are
common. The learn the definition of "polymer" try:

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/polymer

...Silicone is an element in the periodic table.
http://www.webelements.com/webelemen...xt/Si/key.html

Silicone (note the "e") is a polymeric form of the _element_ silicon, in
combination with other elements, most notably oxygen. To get up to speed
on this try:

http://www.dowcorning.com/content/chem/

Digression: One way to understand the difference between silicone and
silicon is to hop on an airplane to Las Vegas. Once there, try to get a
date with a dancer from one of the casino hotels. Then try to get close to
her and snuggle up. When you're finished, strip naked and run out into the
Nevada desert. Then roll around in the sand.

Know the difference yet? Las Vegas dancers are usually equipped with
silicone implants that feel soft and cuddly. The desert is covered
with sand, chemically known as silicon dioxide. The desert doesn't feel
soft and cuddly.

It's been many years since I taught college chemistry, but it a little like
riding a bike, I guess.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com