Answer to Question #102637 in Physics for BIVEK SAH

Question

Classify polymers on the basis of their structure, temperature dependent properties
and mechanism of polymerization.

Answer 1

Structure

There are polymers of

linear:

---X---X---X--- (homopolymer) or ---X---Y---X--- (copolymer),

branched:

and cross-linked structure:

Temperature Dependent Mechanical Properties

Polymers, depending on their temperatures, can be glassy, brittle solid rubber, elastic rubber, viscous liquid.

Mechanism of Polymerization

Addition polymers: monomer molecules "attach" to each other and form chain-like structure);

Condensation polymers: intermolecular reactions between molecules with radicals like -OH, -COOH, -NH₂, -NCO lead to formation of such polymers.