Polymers and Properties of Materials

• When monomers join together to form polymers it is called polymerisation. It usually needs high pressure and a catalyst
• Plastics are polymers. They are carbon based and their monomers are usually alkenes
• Properties of plastic are based on the intermolecular forces between the chains molecules.

  Weak forces:

  Chains can slide over each other meaning plastic can be stretched easily and has a low melting point
• Strong forces properties in plastic polymers:

  Plastic has higher melting point and are rigid and cannot be stretched as cross links hold chains firmly together
• The properties of polymers depends on the forces between the chains
• Reasons for low boiling points in Polymers:

  Chains can slide over eachother, so can be stretched easily, so low melting point

  • Weak intermolecular forces