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Structural properties of polymers

Hi! could you please send me some information on the structure property relationships in polymers. I'm really desperate. like strength, elastic nature, chemical-resistance...I have an assignment and have no idea where to start. I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out.

Thanks so much.

Leya J.
student - Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
2003

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I think you don't really quite understand the question, Leya. Do you know what a polymer is and exactly what you mean by 'elastic nature'? We don't want to do your homework for you and have you submit it, not even understanding the question :-)

Teachers ask us to tell the students: "Do your own homework!". That may be extreme, and people here usually help, but I think you need to at least fully understand the question before asking for help. Good luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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Get a book on polymer chemistry. You will also find information on the Internet if you look for specific polymers. By the way, polymers can also be called "plastics", so that may help you.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

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2003

Leya, I can only lead you to sources to find the answers. Polymers is a very big topic, and if you have done some physics and chemistry at senior high school level, or beyond, you will get some idea. Most polymers are called Plastics.

The plastics are made of carbon chains, i.e., the carbon atoms are bonded to each other like chains. Plus there are other elements attached to these carbon atoms that determine the nature of a polymer. There are hundreds of different chains and dozens of elements, so you will understand how many different types of polymers are there, and how many different properties there could be.

Get a handbook on chemistry or polymers/plastics, if available at a local college library. Do an internet search for plastic names like nylon, ABS, polycarbonate, PVC, Teflon, epoxy. Find company names like DuPont, GE and see what you can find. That will be a start.

Mandar Sunthankar
- Fort Collins, Colorado