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Properties of polymers for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry







This page covers the following topics:
1. Low and high density polymers
2. Thermosetting and thermosoftening
Polymers can vary in density depending on the conditions they are made under and the monomers that have combined to form them. A common example is polyethene which is made in low density and high density forms for its different uses.
Plastics are a type of polymer produced by addition and condensation polymerisation. They can be classified into two groups - thermosetting polymers or thermosoftening polymers.
1
Sort the properties into those of LDPE, HDPE and those which they both exhibit.
LDPE = C, E, F : HDPE = B, D : Both = A

2
Which type of plastic have covalent bonds linking the polymer molecules?
thermosetting
3
Which type of plastic is used in electrical fittings? Why?
Thermosetting, since it will not melt under the heat.
4
What type of plastic will melt when heated?
thermosoftening
5
Is the structure shown that of a thermosoftening or thermosetting plastic?
thermosetting

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