Question

Differentiate between rubbers and plastics on the basis of intermolecular forces.

Answer 1

Rubber: In rubber, the polymer chains are held together by weak intermolecular forces. These weak binding forces permit the polymer to be stretched. A few ‘crosslinks’ are introduced in between the chains, which help the polymer to retract to its original position after the force is released as in vulcanised rubber.

Plastics: These are the linear or slightly branched long-chain molecules capable of repeatedly softening on heating and hardening on cooling. These polymers possess intermolecular forces of attraction intermediate between elastomers and fibres.