Another Classification

Polymers can be classified according to their thermo physical behavior.

Those which soften and flow upon heating are termed as thermoplastics; those which do not are called thermoset polymers.

Characteristics of Thermoplastic Polymers:

• Linear or branched structure Polymer melts and flows upon heating
• Easy to process with application of heat
• Having Heat sensitive properties
• Individual polymer molecules are held together by weak secondary forces like:
  • Van der Waals forces
  • Hydrogen bonds
  • Dipole-dipole interactions

  
  Examples of Thermoplastics:

• Polypropylene

• Nylon

• Polymethyl methacrylate

• Polyethylene

• Polystyrene