Thermosetting And Softening Polymers

Question 1

What do the properties of a polymer depend on ?

Answer 1

The monomer and the conditions used to make the polymer

Question 2

What are polymers made up of ?

Answer 2

Monomers
For example poly( Ethene) is made up of the monomers Ethene

Question 3

What is a condition that could change the properties of a polymer ?

Answer 3

Temperature of reaction
Pressure of reaction
The catalyst

Question 4

Give some facts on High density polymers ?

Answer 4

No side chains
- stronger forces of attraction ( stronger)
- denser as molecules are closer together so more atoms per unit volume
- high melting point

Question 5

Give some facts on low density polymers ?

Answer 5

• polymer chains have side chains
• opposite of HD polymer

Question 6

What are thermosoftening polymers ?

Answer 6

Means it melts when we heat them
And then we can reshape then whilst they are hot and then will return to a solid once cooled

Question 7

What is the structure of a thermosftening polymer ?

Answer 7

No crosslinks between polymer chains instead held by intermolecular forces ( low melting point)
- held via intermolecular forces and if we heat the polymer the intermolecular forces break
- this means the strands can separate and break from each other
- once cooled the intermolecular forces are reformed and the structure is regained to it goes back to solid

Question 8

What are thermosetting polymers ?

Answer 8

Do not melt when we heat them
- As they have very strong close links not intermolecular forces like thermosoftening polymers

Question 9

What is the structure of thermosetting polymers ?

Answer 9

Strong crosslinks between polymer chains and will not be broken by heat so high melting point