161k views
1 vote
Name the main classes of polymer and define their characteristic properties

User Amarnath
by
6.5k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

Polymers are the naturally occurring or synthetic macromolecules that are composed of repeating subunits, called monomers.

The three main classes of polymers are: thermoplastic, thermosetting, and the elastomers.

Thermoplastic polymers have linear bonding. These polymers can be melted again and thus can recycled.

Thermosetting polymers have cross-linked bonding. These polymers decompose when heated and thus can not be remelted and recycled.

Elastomers have linear bonding with some cross-linking. These polymers extreme elastic extensibility and thus can revert back to its original shape after deformation, without causing any permanent damage.

User Erbridge
by
6.1k points