Properties of polymers for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry

Properties of polymers

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.

Low and high density polymers

Plastics are a type of polymer produced by addition and condensation polymerisation. They can be classified into two groups - thermosetting polymers or thermosoftening polymers.

Thermosetting and thermosoftening

1

Sort the properties into those of LDPE, HDPE and those which they both exhibit.

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LDPE = C, E, F : HDPE = B, D : Both = A

Sort the properties into those of LDPE, HDPE and those which they both exhibit.

2

Which type of plastic have covalent bonds linking the polymer molecules?

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thermosetting

Which type of plastic have covalent bonds linking the polymer molecules?

3

Which type of plastic is used in electrical fittings? Why?

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Thermosetting, since it will not melt under the heat.

Which type of plastic is used in electrical fittings? Why?

4

What type of plastic will melt when heated?

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thermosoftening

What type of plastic will melt when heated?

5

Is the structure shown that of a thermosoftening or thermosetting plastic?

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thermosetting

Is the structure shown that of a thermosoftening or thermosetting plastic?

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