Properties of Polymers:    

Properties of Polymers:    

The physical properties of a polymer, such as its strength and flexibility depend on:

1. Chain length - in general, the longer the chains the stronger the polymer;

2. Side groups - polar side groups give stronger attraction between polymer chains, making the polymer stronger;

3. Branching - straight, unbranched chains can pack together more closely than highly branched chains, giving polymers that are more crystalline and therefore stronger;

4. Cross-linking - if polymer chains are linked together extensively by covalent bonds, the polymer is harder and more difficult to melt.