Properties Of Plastics

So when looking at Polymers we also see terms used such as Monomers. Polymers are basically speaking a large amount of monomers. Monomers is a molecule that is able to bond with others to create a chain, these chains are the building bricks of Polymers.

 For example.
Methyl Mecrylate is a monomer.
Poly Methyl Methacrylate is a polymer.

 

 

Some of the general properties of plastics include:

 

-They DO NOT conduct electricity

-They DO NOT conduct heat

- They are stable

-They ARE NOT affected by water or air

-They are strong

 

 

 



When looking at plastics on the other hand there are to major sub categories; Thermosetting and Thermoplastics. A Thermosetting plastic means that it is rigid and will stay rigid when heated and cooling of the substance around it. This is due to the cross-linked monomers. When juxtaposed to Thermoplastics we see that Thermoplastics are far less rigid- this is due to their unlinked molecular build up. Thermoplastics are able to move and will often be induced to heat to do so. Thermoplastics are therefore easier to recycle as they can be liquefied and reformed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

References:

www.materialsworldmodules.org/resources/.../2-polymers+monomers.html

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080920182142AAHDP50


https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_general-chemistry-principles-patterns-and-applications-v1.0/s16-08-polymeric-solids.html

http://www.mr-dt.com/materials/thermosetting.htm

http://www.modorplastics.com/thermoset-vs-thermoplastics