Thermosoftening and Thermosetting Polymers (T)

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the video?

  Factors determining properties of polymers
• What is the difference between thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers?

  Thermosoftening polymers melt; thermosetting do not
• What forms a polymer?

  Joining together a large number of monomers
• What is the monomer for polyethene?

  Ethan
• How do the properties of polymers depend on their formation?

  They depend on the monomer and conditions used
• What type of polymer is used for the bottle mentioned?

  Low density polyethene
• What is the property of high density polyethene compared to low density polyethene?

  High density polyethene is harder
• What conditions can be changed to alter the properties of polymers?

  Reaction temperature, pressure, or catalyst
• What happens to thermosoftening polymers when heated?

  They melt and can be reshaped
• How do intermolecular forces affect thermosoftening polymers?

  They break when heated, allowing melting
• What occurs when thermosoftening polymers cool down?

  They reform intermolecular forces and solidify
• What characterizes thermosetting polymers?

  They do not melt when heated
• What connects the polymer chains in thermosetting polymers?

  Strong cross links
• Why do thermosetting polymers not melt when heated?

  Strong cross links are not broken by heat
• What are the properties of thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers?

  • Thermosoftening polymers:
  • Melt when heated
  • Can be reshaped
  • Solidify upon cooling
  • Thermosetting polymers:
  • Do not melt when heated
  • Have strong cross links
  • Maintain structure under heat
• What are the factors that determine the properties of polymers?

  • Type of monomer used
  • Conditions during polymerization
  • Reaction temperature
  • Reaction pressure
  • Type of catalyst