Chapter 9 - Polymers Flashcards
1
Q
What is a polymer?
A
A chain of monomers that are linked together through polymerisation
2
Q
What is a thermoplastic?
A
Materials that can be softened and remoulded when heated.
3
Q
What is a thermosetting material?
A
Materials that char instead of melting when heated.
4
Q
What affects the properties of polymer chains?
A
Their different structures
5
Q
What are plasticisers?
A
They are added to polymers which make the the chains softer and more flexible.
6
Q
How does crystallinity affect polymers?
A
They are regularly organised into lines. The more crystalline a structure is, the greater it’s hardness, tensile strength and opacity.
7
Q
What affects crystallinity?
A
The chain length, branching and interchain bonding
