Question

In which classes, the polymers are classified on the basis of molecular forces ?

Answer 1

Hint: Polymers are the molecules which are derived from the condensation or addition process of monomers. They are huge giant molecules. They are classified into various other parts according to the kind of intermolecular forces present in them.

Complete step-by-step answer: We know that polymers are the molecules which are the materials made up of a long repeating chain of molecules. They are classified into various parts according to the molecular forces residing in them. Based on molecular forces present between the chains of different polymers is given as follows:
(a)Elastomers
(b)Fibres
(c)Thermoplastics
(d)Thermosetting plastics
We now see what are the different kinds of polymers based on the molecular forces are as follows
(a)Elastomers: These are rubber-like solid polymers in which solid chains are held together by weakest intermolecular forces .e.g. Buna N, Buna S.These weak binding forces permit the polymers. Some cross-links are introduced in the chains which helps it to regain the original shape after its stretched to an extent.
(b)Fibres: Fibres belong to such classes of polymers which are thread-like and can be woven into fabrics. They are widely used for making clothes, nets, ropes, gauzes. They possess high tensile owing to the strong intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding. Examples are terylene, polyacrylonitrile.
(c)Thermoplastics: These are linear polymers and have weak van der Wal force of attraction acting in various chains. The forces are intermediate of the forces present in elastomers and fibres. E.g. polythene and polystyrene.
(d)Thermosetting plastics: These are semifluid substances with low molecular masses.On heating, they become hard and infusable due to cross-linking.They have strongest intermolecular forces. E.g. Bakelite, melamine-formaldehyde resin.

Note: Polymers are divided into different classes according to the properties present in them. They are classified based on structure, mode of polymerisation etc. They are present in different forms based on these classifications.