1. Both thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers have strong covalent bonds within the polymer chains. What is the difference in bonding between the chains?
2. What do LDPE and HDPE stand for? Explain the difference between LDPE and HDPE in terms of the branching between the chains.
3. When rubber was first discovered what were two of its initial problems? What did Charles Goodyear develop? How does the addition of sulfur affect the rubber?
4. Currently many plastics are made from non-renewable resources, what are some of the changes that will influence plastics in the future?
5. Complete the following table:
Thermosetting
Thermoplastic
Type of bonding within the polymer
Type of bonding between polymer chains
Reaction upon addition of heat
Examples