Properties of Polymers

Properties of Polymers

1. Made from crude oil

2. Made from loads of monomers

3. Depend on the type of monomers used and the conditions we choose to carry the reaction out in

   • For example using very high pressure forms a low density polymer. The polymer chains aren't branched, and not packed closely together
   • Whereas using a catalyst and a slightly raised pressure makes a high density polymer, meaning it is more compact and is stronger than LD

4. Thermosoftening

   • Some polymers, when heated become soft, they will reset when they cool down
   • They are made up of individual polymers chains tangled together
     • These are easy to break
   • Forces between polymer chains are weak
     • This is why when heated the weak intermolecular forces are broken
       • When cooled these forces will bring back the polymers

5. Thermosetting

   • Do not melt when heated
   • Have a cross link structure
   • Rigid
   • Monomers make covalent bonds between each polymer chain
   • It will char at hot enough tempretures