Question

15.20 For each of the following pairs of polymers, do the following: (1) state whether it is possible to decide whether one polymer has a higher tensile strength than the other; (2) if this is possible, note which has the higher tensile strength and cite the reason(s) for your choice; and (3) if it is not possible to decide, state why. (a) Linear and isotactic polyvinyl chloride) with a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 g/mol; branched and atactic poly(vinyl chloride) having a weight-average molecular weight of 75,000 g/mol

Answer 1

Explained

Step-by-step explanation:

1) Possible, Tensile strength increases with molecular weight. Therefore, linear and isotactic polymer will have the higher tensile strength.

2) Not possible both polymer exhibit same degree of increased tensile strength, however we do not have enough information to quantify exactly how much in order to distinguish which has higher value.

3) Possible in general network polymers have greater tensile strength as compared to branch structure due to increase number of covalent bond.