Polymer Chemistry Quiz

A synthetic material made from polymers that are malleable and can be molded into various shapes.

Long chains of molecules that form the building blocks of plastics.

The chemical and physical properties of the polymers used in their manufacture.

The arrangement of atoms within a polymer molecule, influencing its flexibility, strength, and other properties.

The average length of a polymer chain, affecting its viscosity, melting point, and strength.

The degree to which polymer chains are organized in a crystalline structure, influencing its strength, stiffness, and transparency.

A polymer made from only one type of repeating unit.

A polymer made from two or more different types of repeating units.

Polymers that consist of long sequences, or blocks, of repeating units of the same monomer. Each block may have a different monomer composition.

Polymers where the two repeating units alternate in a regular sequence.

Polymers that have links between the chains, resulting in a more complex structure.

A type of polymer that can be repeatedly softened and reshaped by heating and cooling. They consist of long, linear chains that can move independently.

A type of polymer that, once shaped, becomes permanently set and cannot be reshaped by heating and cooling. They have cross-links between their chains, creating a rigid network.

Polymers are formed by joining together many small molecules called monomers.

This type of polymerization involves the rearrangement of electrons within a monomer's double bonds to form single bonds with other molecules. It proceeds in a chain mechanism with steps like initiation, propagation, and termination.

This type of polymerization involves the combination of two molecules with the loss of a smaller molecule, usually water, alcohol, acid, or ammonia.

The process of converting petroleum oil or natural gas into monomers, such as ethylene, propylene, and styrene, which are the building blocks of plastics.

The process of converting polymers into final plastic products, like bottles, trays, and films, using various techniques like molding and forming.

A method of creating plastic products by pushing molten polymer through a die, resulting in a continuous shape.

A method of creating hollow plastic products by blowing air into a heated plastic tube (parison) that is held within a mold.

A method of creating plastic products by injecting molten polymer into a mold, where it cools and solidifies.

A method of forming plastic products with complex shapes by heating a plastic sheet and then vacuum forming it over a mold.

A thermoforming technique where a vacuum is used to draw the heated plastic sheet into a mold, creating a vacuum seal.

A thermoforming technique where mechanical forces are used to press the heated plastic sheet into a mold.

A thermoforming technique where air is blown into the heated plastic sheet, expanding it into a mold.

One of the most inert polymers, meaning it is chemically stable and doesn't easily react.

A type of polyethylene with a branched structure, making it less dense and more flexible.

A type of polyethylene with a linear structure, resulting in higher density and greater rigidity.

A linear thermoplastic with a very linear structure, which makes it much stronger and more resistant to tearing.

A type of polyethylene (PE) where the methyl groups alternate on opposite sides of the polymer chain, giving it more crystalline structure and making it more rigid.

A type of polypropylene (PP) where the methyl groups are arranged on the same side of the polymer chain, making it have a high softening point and good chemical resistance.

A type of polystyrene (PS) known for its clarity and stiffness. It's commonly used for disposable cups and food containers.

A type of polystyrene (PS) that's blended with rubber to improve its impact resistance.

A type of polystyrene (PS) that has a foamy structure. It's commonly used for insulation and packaging.

The resistance of a material to degrade due to environmental factors such as oxygen, heat, and light.

A thermoplastic formed by the addition reaction of chloride with ethylene to create vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is then polymerized to produce PVC. PVC typically polymerizes in an atactic form, resulting in an amorphous polymer.

PVC's natural tendency to be brittle is overcome by adding a plasticizer, turning it into a soft and moldable material.

Unplasticized PVC requires stabilizers during heat processing to prevent degradation and discoloration. These stabilizers often include salts of metals like tin, lead, cadmium, barium, calcium, and zinc, as well as epoxides and organic phosphites.

PVC is known for its excellent resistance to oils, fats, greases, acids, and alkalis.

Produced by a condensation reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, PET is a linear and transparent thermoplastic.

Under controlled conditions, PET can crystallize, becoming strong, stiff, ductile, and tough, exhibiting a glassy state.

PET film is highly valued for food packaging due to its strength, chemical resistance, light weight, elasticity, and stability over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for 'boil-in-the-bag' products.

PET is also utilized to manufacture ovenable trays for frozen food and prepared meals.