Question

What are thermoplastic polymers?

What are thermoplastics?

Answer 1

Their properties are between those of elastomers and fibers. These polymers are called thermoplastics as, on heating, they become soft and, on cooling, become hard. Hence, these polymers can be remoulded and recycled.

Example: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Answer 2

1. The polymers in which the intermolecular forces of attraction are intermediate to those of elastomers and fibres are called thermoplastics.
2. There is no cross-linking between polymeric chains in thermoplastics, which are linear polymers.
3. Thermoplastics soften when heated because of the presence of moderate (not very strong) intermolecular forces of attraction.
4. They are rather firm at ambient temperature but mushy and gooey when heated.
5. But when they cool, they solidify once more.
6. They are easily molded by heating since heating does not result in cross-linking.