Understanding Polymers: Thermosets vs. Thermoplastics

What are polymers commonly used for?

• Creating metal tools

• Making rubber tires and nylon fibers

• Building spacecraft

• Producing glass bottles

What process do thermoset polymers undergo?

• A reversible heating process

• A non-reversible curing process

• An instant solidification process

• A simple cooling process

Why are thermosets more resistant to heat and chemicals compared to thermoplastics?

• Due to their higher water content

• Because they are more flexible

• Due to their cross-linking process

• Because of their crystalline structure

Which of the following is NOT a processing method for thermosets?

• Injection molding

• Pultrusion

• Extrusion

• Solvent welding

What is a disadvantage of thermosets compared to thermoplastics?

• They are less resistant to chemicals

• They have lower hardness

• They cannot be easily recycled

• They are more expensive to produce

What is a key characteristic of thermoplastics?

• They undergo a chemical change when heated

• They are mainly used for insulation

• They can be reprocessed multiple times

• They cannot be recycled

What makes thermoplastics easy to manufacture in high volumes?

• Their resistance to heat

• Their low processing costs

• Their ability to undergo chemical changes

• Their high melting point

Why must designs allow for movement of thermoplastic components in assemblies with mixed materials?

• Due to their susceptibility to water absorption

• Because of their high thermal expansion

• Because they shrink during the cooling process

• Due to their high electrical conductivity

Zoe, Lily, and Jackson are working on a science project about polymers. They have a sample polymer and based on its properties, they need to identify its type. Which type of polymer do you think they have based on the illustration above?

• Cross-Linked

• Network

• Branched

• Linear

Answer explanation

Based on the properties of the polymer, the correct type is Cross-Linked as it shows a network structure with strong intermolecular bonds.

The breaking down of polymers into monomers involves:

• Condensation reactions

• Polymerization

• Hydrolysis

• Sublimation

Answer explanation

The breaking down of polymers into monomers involves hydrolysis, where water is used to break the bonds between monomers.