Home >
Community >
What is the difference between the linear polymer and the cross linked polymers?
Upvote
18
Downvote
+ Polymer science
+ Chemistry
+ Polymer physics
Posted by
Matt
What is the difference between the linear polymer and the cross linked polymers?
The linear polymer consist of polymer chains, cross linked polymer have either chains connected by links or 3D structure. The properties are dramatically different. The linear polymer is soluble, exhibit melting point, have larger extension at break and typically is less thermally stable. On the other hand cross linked polymers are insoluble (depending on cross linking density) do not exhibit melting, and are more thermally stable. In general cross linked polymer have better weatherability and stability. Cross linked polymers are more difficult to process and in general are not recyclable.
The linear polymer consist of polymer chains, cross linked polymer have either chains connected by links or 3D structure. The properties are dramatically different. The linear polymer is soluble, exhibit melting point, have larger extension at break and typically is less thermally stable. On the other hand cross linked polymers are insoluble (depending on cross linking density) do not exhibit melting, and are more thermally stable. In general cross linked polymer have better weatherability and stability. Cross linked polymers are more difficult to process and in general are not recyclable.
I think un-crosslinked (or virgin polymer) might be a better description of the starting polymer because many polymers are not just one long straight chain, but can have branches that may act a bit like cross-links.
The difference between cross-linked and un-cross-linked is that the chains of molecules are connected chemically to form a network that is really one big molecule.
The number of cross links per chain will determine the properties of the product.
For example, if you “cure” natural rubber with 1 or 2 % of Sulphur and some activator you will get a nice rubbery product. Do the same with 10 to 15% and you will get a hard plastic - like substance.
I think un-crosslinked (or virgin polymer) might be a better description of the starting polymer because many polymers are not just one long straight chain, but can have branches that may act a bit like cross-links.
The difference between cross-linked and un-cross-linked is that the chains of molecules are connected chemically to form a network that is really one big molecule.
The number of cross links per chain will determine the properties of the product.
For example, if you “cure” natural rubber with 1 or 2 % of Sulphur and some activator you will get a nice rubbery product. Do the same with 10 to 15% and you will get a hard plastic - like substance.
The linear polymer consist of polymer chains, cross linked polymer have either chains connected by links or 3D structure. The properties are dramatically different. The linear polymer is soluble, exhibit melting point, have larger extension at break and typically is less thermally stable. On the other hand cross linked polymers are insoluble (depending on cross linking density) do not exhibit melting, and are more thermally stable. In general cross linked polymer have better weatherability and stability. Cross linked polymers are more difficult to process and in general are not recyclable.
The linear polymer consist of polymer chains, cross linked polymer have either chains connected by links or 3D structure. The properties are dramatically different. The linear polymer is soluble, exhibit melting point, have larger extension at break and typically is less thermally stable. On the other hand cross linked polymers are insoluble (depending on cross linking density) do not exhibit melting, and are more thermally stable. In general cross linked polymer have better weatherability and stability. Cross linked polymers are more difficult to process and in general are not recyclable.
More
VOTE
I think un-crosslinked (or virgin polymer) might be a better description of the starting polymer because many polymers are not just one long straight chain, but can have branches that may act a bit like cross-links.
The difference between cross-linked and un-cross-linked is that the chains of molecules are connected chemically to form a network that is really one big molecule.
The number of cross links per chain will determine the properties of the product.
For example, if you “cure” natural rubber with 1 or 2 % of Sulphur and some activator you will get a nice rubbery product. Do the same with 10 to 15% and you will get a hard plastic - like substance.
I think un-crosslinked (or virgin polymer) might be a better description of the starting polymer because many polymers are not just one long straight chain, but can have branches that may act a bit like cross-links.
The difference between cross-linked and un-cross-linked is that the chains of molecules are connected chemically to form a network that is really one big molecule.
The number of cross links per chain will determine the properties of the product.
For example, if you “cure” natural rubber with 1 or 2 % of Sulphur and some activator you will get a nice rubbery product. Do the same with 10 to 15% and you will get a hard plastic - like substance.
More
VOTE