Polymers Flashcards
What do the properties of a polymer depend on?
What they are made from
Conditions under which they are made
What are the 2 differences in production between low density and high density polyethene?
Different catalysts
Different reaction conditions
What do thermosoftening polymers consist of?
Individual, tangled polymer chains
What do thermosetting polymers consist of?
Polymer chains with cross-links between them so they don’t melt when they are heated
Why are thermosoftening plastics flexible and melt when heated?
They have weak intermolecular forces between the polymer chains so they can slide over each other easily
Why are thermosetting plastics rigid and won’t melt when heated?
There are strong intermolecular forces (cross links) between the polymer chains