Behaviour when heated

Question 1

Define: thermoplastic polymer

Answer 1

Only forces bewteen polymer chains are intermolecular forces; they are softened when heated and can be remoulded/recycled

Question 2

Define: thermosetting polymers

Answer 2

When there are cross links between polymer chains; resulting in them being harder and having higher melting points and them decomposing when heated

Question 3

Define: elastomers

Answer 3

Small number of cross links between polymer chains; they cannot completely melt and and stretch but return to original positions.