Question 1

Dacron (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) is best described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Dacron is the trade name for PET fibre. PET is a condensation (step-growth) polyester used in fibres and bottle resins. Identifying its monomer pair distinguishes it from nylons and elastomers and explains ester linkages central to its properties and processing (melt spinning, blow molding). Given Data / Assumptions: PET is made from terephthalic acid (or its dimethyl ester) and ethylene glycol. Small molecules (water or methanol) are eliminated during polymer formation. Concept / Approach: Using the DMT route, PET forms by transesterification with ethylene glycol producing methanol and oligomers, followed by polycondensation to high molecular weight. The adipic acid + hexamethylene diamine pair forms nylon-66 (a polyamide), not PET. PET is a thermoplastic, not a thermoset, and it is not an addition copolymer like SBR. Step-by-Step Solution: Match Dacron with PET chemistry.Identify monomers: DMT (or PTA) + ethylene glycol.Select the correct condensation description. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial PET processes commonly reference either PTA/EG or DMT/EG routes leading to the same polyester backbone. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Adipic acid + HMD: nylon-66 (polyamide). Thermosetting: PET is thermoplastic. Styrene–butadiene addition: SBR, unrelated to PET. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up polyester and polyamide monomer pairs due to similar naming conventions. Final Answer: Condensation polymerisation product of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol

Question 2

SBR identity check: Styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) should be classified as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: SBR is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers, commonly blended with natural rubber in tire treads and used independently in many rubber goods. Understanding its classification is foundational before discussing its properties or processing routes (e.g., emulsion vs. solution SBR). Given Data / Assumptions: SBR is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene. It is made synthetically via radical polymerisation. Concept / Approach: The correct classification is “a synthetic polymer.” It is neither natural rubber nor silicone; it is not a monomer. SBR can be compounded and vulcanised, but it is not a thermosetting phenolic network like Bakelite. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify constituents (styrene + butadiene).Recognise copolymer produced by polymerisation.Select “A synthetic polymer.” Verification / Alternative check: Rubber technology references list SBR among synthetic elastomers (with NBR, EPDM, etc.). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Natural rubber: derived from latex polyisoprene; not SBR. Silicone rubber: polysiloxane family, unrelated. Monomer: SBR is the polymer, not a monomer. Common Pitfalls: Confusing SBR with SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer); both are synthetic but distinct in structure and properties. Final Answer: A synthetic polymer

Question 3

Fibre classification: Which of the following is NOT a natural fibre in standard materials classification?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Natural fibres are harvested directly from plants or animals, while man-made fibres are produced by chemical processing (regenerated natural polymers or fully synthetic). Viscose rayon, although cellulosic, is regenerated and thus not a natural fibre in formal classifications used by the textile industry. Given Data / Assumptions: Silk and wool are animal-derived natural fibres. Cotton and flax (linen) are plant-derived natural fibres. Viscose rayon is regenerated cellulose made by the viscose process. Concept / Approach: Rayon is manufactured by dissolving cellulose and extruding it into a coagulation bath to regenerate filaments. Despite its cellulose chemistry, it is not harvested as fibre; therefore, it is classed as man-made (regenerated) rather than natural. Hence it is the correct choice for “not a natural fibre.” Step-by-Step Solution: Group the options into natural vs. man-made origin.Silk/wool/cotton/flax are all natural.Viscose rayon is regenerated → man-made → not natural. Verification / Alternative check: Standards from textile associations list rayon under manufactured fibres; cotton, flax, silk, and wool are natural categories. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Silk/wool: animal fibres. Cotton/flax: plant fibres. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “cellulosic” automatically means natural; the processing route determines classification. Final Answer: Viscose rayon

Question 4

In polymer science, nylon-66 is identified as a polyamide formed from which specific pair of monomers? Select the correct diamine–diacid combination used industrially to produce nylon-66 (do not confuse with nylon-6 made from a single lactam).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nylons are polyamides named using a numbering system tied to carbon counts in their monomers. Nylon-66 is a benchmark engineering polymer used in fibres and molded parts. The question checks recall of the exact monomer pair used for nylon-66 and contrasts it implicitly with nylon-6 (from caprolactam). Given Data / Assumptions: Nylon-66 is a condensation (step-growth) polyamide. Monomers are a diamine and a diacid, both with six carbons. Byproduct (often water or a salt intermediate) may form during polymerisation. Concept / Approach: Polyamides form when amine groups react with carboxyl groups to make amide linkages. Nylon-66 uses hexamethylene diamine (6 carbons) and adipic acid (6 carbons). The “66” denotes 6 carbons in each monomer. This differs from nylon-6, which is produced by ring-opening polymerisation of caprolactam (a single monomer). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify nylon-66 as a diamine–diacid system.Match “6,6” to hexamethylene diamine (6C) + adipic acid (6C).Eliminate distractors involving vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, or single-monomer systems. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial nylon salt formation (stoichiometric mix of the diamine and diacid) prior to polycondensation confirms the monomer pair. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Adipic acid + methyl amine: wrong stoichiometry and carbon count.Vinyl chloride + formaldehyde: unrelated chemistry (PVC/acetals).Caprolactam and water: describes nylon-6 route.None of these: incorrect because a correct pair is listed. Common Pitfalls: Confusing nylon-66 with nylon-6 or assuming “66” refers to something else (e.g., chain length). Final Answer: Hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid

Question 5

Polymers are often grouped as thermosetting, thermoplastic, elastomer, and fibre. On what fundamental basis is this textbook classification primarily made?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Introductory polymer science courses classify polymers into thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and fibres. This grouping correlates mechanical/thermal behaviour with how strongly chains attract each other and whether they are crosslinked. Understanding the underlying basis helps predict processing and performance. Given Data / Assumptions: Intermolecular forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole, and dispersion interactions. Crosslink density also effectively increases “interchain constraint,” behaving like very strong interactions. The question asks for the primary basis used in classic textbooks. Concept / Approach: Stronger intermolecular forces (or network crosslinking) yield rigid, high-modulus materials (fibres, thermosets). Weaker forces produce flexible, low-modulus materials (elastomers). Thermoplastics sit between, softening with heat due to reversible weakening of secondary forces. Thus, the classic categorisation is fundamentally tied to the magnitude of interchain forces and constraints. Step-by-Step Solution: Relate category to chain interactions: fibres/thermosets (strong), thermoplastics (moderate), elastomers (weak but lightly crosslinked).Eliminate alternatives that are secondary (mechanism) or incomplete (size only).Select “magnitude of intermolecular forces.” Verification / Alternative check: Standard texts map tensile modulus, Tg, and thermal behaviour to interchain forces/crosslinking, aligning with the four groups. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Molecular size alone: insufficient—similar Mw polymers can behave differently.Heat resistance: a result, not the class basis.Polymerisation mechanism: step- vs chain-growth does not directly define these four end-use categories.Crystallinity alone: important but not the primary basis. Common Pitfalls: Assuming synthesis route dictates class; behaviour is dominated by interchain forces and crosslinking. Final Answer: Magnitude of intermolecular forces

Question 6

Thermosetting plastic materials show which post-processing behaviour? Choose the statement that best captures their heat response after they have been formed and cured.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Thermosets (e.g., phenolics, epoxies, melamine) cure into crosslinked networks. Recognising their irreversible heat response is essential for processing choices and recycling considerations. Given Data / Assumptions: After cure, the network is covalently crosslinked. Heating above the glass transition does not produce melt flow; decomposition may occur on excessive heating. Contrast with thermoplastics, which soften and can be remelted. Concept / Approach: Crosslinking prevents chain slippage required for melting. Therefore, thermosets cannot be remelted or reshaped once set. Any attempt to process them like thermoplastics results in thermal degradation rather than controlled melt flow. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify network nature after cure.Relate network to irreversible heat response.Select “Cannot be melted after forming.” Verification / Alternative check: DSC/TGA data typically show no melting endotherm for cured thermosets, only glass transition and decomposition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Repeatedly melted / melt casting / spinning: describe thermoplastic behaviour.Reversible softening with reshaping: not applicable to crosslinked networks. Common Pitfalls: Confusing uncured thermoset resin (processable) with the fully cured article (non-meltable). Final Answer: Cannot be melted after forming

Question 7

Polycaprolactam (produced via ring-opening of caprolactam) corresponds to which nylon designation in commercial polyamide nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nylon naming conventions can be confusing. Polycaprolactam is obtained by ring-opening polymerisation of caprolactam and is marketed as nylon-6. This contrasts with nylon-66, which is made from two monomers (hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid). Given Data / Assumptions: Caprolactam contains six carbons. Nylon-6 uses a single monomer; nylon-66 uses a diamine + diacid pair. Trade names like Dacron and materials like rayon refer to different polymer families. Concept / Approach: For “nylon-X,” X indicates the number of carbons in the lactam (or amino acid) monomer for homopolyamides. Hence caprolactam (6 carbons) gives nylon-6. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify polycaprolactam as ring-opened caprolactam.Map “6 carbons” to nylon-6 designation.Eliminate unrelated options (polyester, cellulose). Verification / Alternative check: Data sheets list PA6 (nylon-6) as polycaprolactam with repeat unit –NH–(CH2)5–CO–. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nylon-66: two monomers (6,6), not a lactam.Dacron: PET.Rayon: regenerated cellulose.Nylon-11: made from 11-carbon amino-undecanoic acid. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all nylons come from two monomers; some are single-monomer lactam systems. Final Answer: Nylon-6

Question 8

“Plexiglass” (also called Lucite) is widely used for lenses and transparent panels because of its clarity. Chemically, plexiglass is which polymer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Plexiglass and Lucite are trade names commonly associated with transparent thermoplastics used in glazing and optics. Correctly mapping trade names to chemical families prevents selection errors in design and processing. Given Data / Assumptions: Plexiglass/Lucite = PMMA. PMMA offers excellent optical clarity and good weatherability. Other transparent plastics (PC, PS) exist but differ in properties and trade names. Concept / Approach: Identify the iconic association: plexiglass → PMMA. While polycarbonate is also clear and tough, it is not “plexiglass.” PTFE is opaque and used for non-stick or chemical service; phenolics are thermosets and opaque in typical grades; PS is clear but not marketed as plexiglass. Step-by-Step Solution: Match trade name to chemistry: plexiglass/Lucite → PMMA.Exclude other polymers by property/tradename mismatches.Select PMMA. Verification / Alternative check: Supplier literature consistently lists PMMA as acrylic (plexiglass/Lucite/Perspex). Why Other Options Are Wrong: PTFE: fluoropolymer, not optically clear sheets.PC: another clear plastic, but not plexiglass branding.Phenolic: thermoset, opaque.PS: clear but brittle, different use cases. Common Pitfalls: Confusing PMMA with PC due to both being transparent; trade names differ. Final Answer: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

Question 9

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is manufactured by which standard polymerisation route, and which processing claim among the following is correct?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: PVC is a major commodity polymer produced from vinyl chloride monomer. Its industrial manufacture and processing routes are standardised and appear frequently in exam questions. Given Data / Assumptions: PVC is a vinyl polymer made via chain-growth mechanisms. Commercial routes include suspension and emulsion polymerisation (also microsuspension/bulk in some cases). Plasticisers increase flexibility; they do not convert PVC into a thermoset. Concept / Approach: Match PVC to typical industrial processes. Reject claims that imply condensation chemistry, thermosetting by plasticiser, or single exact softening temperature (PVC’s softening depends on formulation). Emulsion and suspension routes are widely used to tailor particle size and processing behaviour. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall that PVC is a chain-growth polymer from vinyl chloride.Identify emulsion/suspension as standard industrial methods.Eliminate incorrect statements about condensation, thermosetting by plasticiser, and fixed softening point. Verification / Alternative check: Process flow diagrams and product grades (E-PVC, S-PVC) confirm emulsion and suspension routes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Polycondensation: not applicable to PVC.Plasticiser → thermoset: false; plasticisers reduce Tg/increase flexibility.Fixed 200 °C softening: depends on formulation; many grades soften well below this.Exclusive bulk anionic: not the standard industrial path. Common Pitfalls: Confusing thermoplasticisation and plasticisation; plasticiser softens, does not crosslink. Final Answer: Uses either emulsion or suspension polymerisation methods

Question 10

Cross-linked polymers formed from bi- and trifunctional monomers create three-dimensional networks. Such crosslinking imparts which dominant class of properties to the material?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When monomers with functionality greater than two react, they form crosslinked networks. This network architecture defines the thermoset class and controls heat response, solvent resistance, and mechanical behaviour. Given Data / Assumptions: Bi- and trifunctional monomers can create infinite networks at gelation. Network polymers do not melt upon reheating. Elastomeric behaviour usually requires low crosslink density and soft segments, not the general case for highly crosslinked networks. Concept / Approach: Crosslinks produce thermosetting behaviour: dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, insolubility (though swelling may occur), and inability to be remelted. While networks can be brittle or toughened depending on formulation, the defining feature is thermosetting, not thermoplasticity. Step-by-Step Solution: Link network structure to processing behaviour.Exclude thermoplastic/ductile claims inconsistent with crosslinks.Select “Thermosetting.” Verification / Alternative check: Phenolics, epoxies, and melamine resins are crosslinked examples exhibiting thermoset behaviour. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Thermoplastic: melts and reforms, unlike networks.Unlimited elastomeric extensibility: not typical of highly crosslinked systems.Brittleness only: oversimplification; toughness can be engineered.Perfect ductility: inconsistent with crosslink constraints. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “crosslinked” always means extremely brittle; formulation strongly influences toughness. Final Answer: Thermosetting

Question 11

Silicones (polysiloxanes) are best described as which category of polymer material in terms of backbone chemistry and classification?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Silicones, commonly called polysiloxanes, feature a –Si–O–Si– backbone with organic side groups. They are widely used as elastomers, sealants, fluids, and coatings thanks to thermal stability and low glass transition temperatures. Given Data / Assumptions: Backbone contains silicon and oxygen, not purely carbon. They are synthetic; not naturally occurring biopolymers. They can be formulated as fluids, elastomers, or resins depending on crosslinking and side groups. Concept / Approach: Because the backbone is not carbon-based, silicones are often grouped with “inorganic” or “organosilicon” polymers. The term highlights the inorganic-like Si–O backbone with organic substituents, distinguishing them from hydrocarbon thermoplastics or natural polymers. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the –Si–O–Si– backbone.Classify as organosilicon/inorganic polymer.Eliminate monomer/natural/hydrocarbon categories. Verification / Alternative check: Materials handbooks categorise silicones as organosilicon polymers with inorganic-like backbones. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Monomer: silicones are polymeric chains/networks.Thermoplastic hydrocarbon: incorrect backbone chemistry.Natural polymer: synthetic origin.MOF: different class of materials. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “silicone” is a monomer or single compound; it is a polymer family. Final Answer: Inorganic polymer (organosilicon backbone)

Question 12

Nylon-6 is correctly classified as which type of polymer, considering its repeating linkage and synthesis route?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nylon-6 (polycaprolactam) is a cornerstone engineering plastic and fibre. Correct family identification is essential for anticipating properties such as hydrogen bonding, crystallinity, and moisture uptake. Given Data / Assumptions: Nylon-6 forms via ring-opening of caprolactam. Backbone contains amide linkages (–CONH–). Thermoplastic behaviour allows melting and remoulding. Concept / Approach: The amide linkage defines polyamides. Nylon-6 is therefore a polyamide (not a polyester, not a thermoset). Its hydrogen bonding yields relatively high strength and thermal performance among commodity thermoplastics. Step-by-Step Solution: Note amide functionality.Map amide to “polyamide.”Eliminate thermoset/polyester/polyolefin categories. Verification / Alternative check: Material datasheets and polymer textbooks list nylon-6 under the polyamide family. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Thermosetting resin: nylon-6 is thermoplastic.Polyester: different linkage (ester).Polyolefin: hydrocarbon chain without polar groups. Common Pitfalls: Confusing nylon-6 with PET (a polyester) due to both being fibre-forming. Final Answer: Polyamide

Question 13

Chain-growth polymerisation consists of initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Which material below is NOT manufactured by a chain-growth mechanism (choose the best single answer after recovery/normalisation of options)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Two broad synthesis routes dominate polymer chemistry: chain-growth (addition) and step-growth (condensation). Recognising which materials come from which route is critical for predicting molecular weight development and processing behaviour. Given Data / Assumptions: Vinyl polymers (PVC, PS, PE, PP) are classic chain-growth products. Polyamides such as nylon-6 and nylon-66 are step-growth (condensation or ring-opening) polymers. Some silicone elastomers are produced by condensation or addition curing of oligomers; nevertheless, the canonical non-chain-growth example among the list is polyamides. Concept / Approach: Chain-growth polymerisation builds chains via active centres adding unsaturated monomers (vinyl/olefinic). Step-growth polymerisation relies on reactions between functional groups (e.g., amine and acid) and requires very high conversion for high molecular weight. Polyamides (nylons) therefore do not arise from chain-growth routes. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify chain-growth exemplars: vinyl polymers, PE, PP.Identify step-growth exemplars: nylons (polyamides).Choose “Polyamides (nylons)” as not manufactured by chain-growth. Verification / Alternative check: Mechanistic schemes for nylon-66 (diamine + diacid) and nylon-6 (lactam ring-opening) confirm step-growth/ring-opening, not chain-growth radical addition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Vinyl polymers / polyethylene / polypropylene: textbook chain-growth systems.Siloxane elastomers: may cure via condensation or hydrosilylation; included as a distractor—polyamides remain the clear non-chain-growth choice among commodity classes. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any crosslinked material must be step-growth; crosslinking can occur in chain-growth systems too. Final Answer: Polyamides (nylons)

Question 14

Thermosetting materials exhibit which of the following structural and behavioural features after cure?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Thermosets like phenolics, epoxies, and melamines cure into networks. Recognising this architecture helps explain their heat, solvent, and mechanical responses. Given Data / Assumptions: Network formation restricts chain mobility. Crosslinked polymers do not melt upon reheating and are typically insoluble. Elastomeric behaviour is formulation-dependent and not universal for thermosets. Concept / Approach: The key identifier of a thermoset is a three-dimensional crosslinked network after cure. This structure underlies heat resistance and chemical resistance, in contrast to thermoplastics which soften with heat. Step-by-Step Solution: Link “thermoset” to “crosslinked network.”Eliminate claims of easy softening/solubility.Select “Are cross-linked molecules.” Verification / Alternative check: Thermal analysis lacks melting endotherm for cured thermosets; instead, decomposition dominates at high temperatures. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Soften and reshape: thermoplastic trait.Solvent soluble: networks generally only swell.Always elastomeric: many thermosets are rigid structural materials. Common Pitfalls: Confusing uncured resin behaviour with cured network behaviour. Final Answer: Are cross-linked molecules

Question 15

Phenol–formaldehyde (Bakelite-type) materials are made via which polymerisation route?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Phenol–formaldehyde resins are the earliest commercial thermosets. Knowing their synthesis route explains their crosslinked network structure and performance. Given Data / Assumptions: Phenolic resins form by step-growth reactions between phenolic hydroxyl and aldehyde groups. Networks develop during cure, yielding heat-resistant, dimensionally stable parts. They are polymers, not monomers or abrasives per se (though filled composites can be abrasive). Concept / Approach: Phenol reacts with formaldehyde via condensation (step-growth), producing methylene bridges and releasing small molecules during processing/curing stages. This is not vinyl addition polymerisation. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify functional-group reaction (phenol + aldehyde).Map to condensation/step-growth chemistry.Select “Condensation polymerisation.” Verification / Alternative check: Processing of resol/novolac systems in industry corroborates step-growth chemistry leading to crosslinked networks. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Addition polymerisation: not the mechanism here.Monomer/abrasive: misclassification.Anionic living: unrelated to phenolic condensation. Common Pitfalls: Equating all crosslinked systems with “addition” type curing; phenolics are classic condensations. Final Answer: Condensation polymerisation

Question 16

Most fibre-forming polymers are crystalline or semi-crystalline after drawing. Which one of the following is commonly cited as an exception that is largely amorphous in fibre applications?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fibre performance often relies on crystalline regions for strength and thermal resistance. However, acrylic fibres (largely PAN-based) are frequently discussed as predominantly amorphous, especially prior to extensive stabilisation or specialty processing. Given Data / Assumptions: Nylon and PET are semi-crystalline after drawing/heat-setting. Polypropylene fibres are semi-crystalline. PAN-based acrylic fibres are often described as amorphous in basic exam contexts, despite some local order. Concept / Approach: While processing can induce orientation and limited ordered regions in PAN, standard teaching materials commonly list polyacrylonitrile (acrylic) as a comparative exception to the predominantly crystalline fibre polymers such as nylons and polyesters. Step-by-Step Solution: Compare crystallinity of nylon, PET, PP with acrylic fibre.Note textbook convention: acrylic ≈ largely amorphous.Select polyacrylonitrile. Verification / Alternative check: Introductory fibre science texts often classify acrylic fibres as amorphous relative to highly crystalline nylon and PET fibres. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nylon/PET/PP: semi-crystalline in drawn fibre form.UHMWPE: extremely high crystallinity and orientation in fibres. Common Pitfalls: Assuming process-induced orientation makes PAN fully crystalline; PAN fibres remain comparatively amorphous. Final Answer: Polyacrylonitrile (acrylic fibre)

Question 17

Among common commercial plastics, which one is typically the lowest cost per kilogram and widely used for films, containers, and molded parts?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Cost awareness guides material selection. Among widely used plastics, polyethylene (PE) is commonly the lowest-cost large-volume polymer owing to massive global capacity and simple hydrocarbon chemistry. Given Data / Assumptions: Commodity pricing varies regionally but trends persist: PE is generally cheaper than PVC, PC, or PTFE. Bakelite is a thermoset for specific uses, typically not the cheapest commodity by volume. “Polythene” is a common name for polyethylene. Concept / Approach: PE’s low cost arises from abundant ethylene feedstock and efficient processes (gas-phase, slurry). PVC can be inexpensive but often prices above many PE grades when considering formulation needs; PTFE and PC are substantially more expensive. Step-by-Step Solution: Survey relative commodity prices historically.Identify polyethylene as the typical lowest-cost workhorse.Select polythene (PE). Verification / Alternative check: Market reports consistently show LDPE/LLDPE/HDPE among the lowest price brackets in bulk polymers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PTFE/PC: specialty, high-cost.Bakelite: niche thermoset, not a mass low-cost film/container resin.PVC: inexpensive but generally not below PE in most markets. Common Pitfalls: Assuming short-term price spikes overturn long-term cost hierarchy. Final Answer: Polythene (polyethylene)

Question 18

Polymerisation of polyfunctional monomers (functionality > 2) tends to produce networks. Which general property outcome is most associated with such crosslinked polymers?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Monomer functionality dictates polymer architecture. When functionality exceeds two, networks form at gelation, resulting in thermoset behaviour and enhanced structural properties. Given Data / Assumptions: Crosslinking restricts chain mobility. Mechanical strength and heat resistance increase with network density (to a point). Melting is not observed for fully cured networks. Concept / Approach: Crosslinked polymers cannot flow like viscous melts; their rigidity and cohesive strength generally rise. Therefore, “good mechanical strength” is the characteristic outcome, whereas low viscosity/melting are inconsistent with networks. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognise effect of functionality on network formation.Relate crosslinks to strength and dimensional stability.Select “Good mechanical strength.” Verification / Alternative check: Phenolic and epoxy composites demonstrate high strength due to crosslinked matrices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Low viscosity/low melting: contradict network behaviour.None of these/unlimited cold flow: incorrect; networks resist flow. Common Pitfalls: Assuming more crosslinks always increase toughness; excessive crosslinking can embrittle despite high strength. Final Answer: Good mechanical strength

Question 19

Compared with linear polymers, branched-chain polymers typically show which difference in solid-state packing and related properties?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Polymer architecture (linear vs branched) influences crystallinity, density, and thermal properties. Branching generally hinders close packing and reduces crystallinity. Given Data / Assumptions: Linear chains pack more efficiently than highly branched chains. Greater packing efficiency often raises density, crystallinity, and melting point. Branched chains introduce irregularity and free volume. Concept / Approach: Branch points disrupt lamellar crystal formation, lowering crystallinity and density and often decreasing tensile strength and melting temperature compared with linear analogues of similar chemistry and molecular weight. Step-by-Step Solution: Relate branching to packing inefficiency.Infer reduced crystallinity/density and melting point.Select “higher irregularity in atomic packing.” Verification / Alternative check: Contrast LDPE (branched) with HDPE (linear): LDPE has lower density and melting point due to branching. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Higher density/strength/melting point: more typical of linear, well-packed chains.Perfect lamellae: contradicted by branching defects. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring molecular weight effects; comparisons should assume similar Mw. Final Answer: Higher degree of irregularity in atomic packing

Question 20

Polyurethane (PU) is an extremely versatile polymer family. Which of the following applications is generally NOT a standard, mainstream use for PU in its common commercial forms?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Polyurethanes can be tailored into foams, elastomers, adhesives, and coatings. Exam questions often contrast typical PU applications with FRP matrices, which are most commonly polyesters, vinyl esters, or epoxies. Given Data / Assumptions: Flexible PU foams: seats, cushions. Rigid PU foams: appliance insulation (refrigerators), building panels. PU coatings/adhesives: ubiquitous. FRP matrices: predominantly unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or epoxy; PU matrices exist but are not mainstream. Concept / Approach: The question targets the “least typical” PU use. While niche PU composite matrices exist, the canonical FRP systems are not polyurethane-based. Therefore, FRP primary matrix resin is the best “not used” choice in standard curricula. Step-by-Step Solution: List standard PU applications.Contrast with mainstream FRP matrices.Select FRP matrix as not typically PU-based. Verification / Alternative check: Industry practice and standards in boatbuilding, automotive composites, and wind blades predominantly specify polyester/vinyl ester/epoxy matrices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cushions/insulation/coatings/elastomeric wheels: hallmark PU applications. Common Pitfalls: Confusing occasional PU composite use with mainstream FRP matrix practice. Final Answer: Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) primary matrix resin

Polymer Technology Questions