1. Properties of Polymers
LO:
Describe the difference between thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers. (D)
Explain how changing the monomer can affect the properties of a polymer (C)
Investigate the effect of cross-linkers on a polymer (B)
Plan an experiment to find out how a polymer would be affected by the addition of a cross-linking chemical (A/A*)
Starter
Using the text book find out what is meant by..
Thermo-setting
Thermo-softening

2. What are the chemicals that polymers are made from called ?
MONOMERS

4. Testing for cross-linking
Design an experiment to test the effect of adding a cross-linker to a liquid polymer.
You need to include…
What equipment will you use ?
What is your independent variable ?
What are your control variables ?
What will your interval and range be ?
How are you going to measure the effect of cross-linking ?

5. Things that change polymers
Different monomers will give different polymers.
Different reaction conditions will give different polymers.

6. Low density – Made with high pressure and a bit of oxygen.
High density – Made with slight pressure, 50oC and a catalyst.