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Properties of Polymers:
The physical properties of a polymer, such as its
strength and flexibility depend on:
- Chain length - in general, the longer the chains the
stronger the polymer;
- Side groups - polar side groups give stronger
attraction between polymer chains, making the polymer stronger;
- Branching - straight, unbranched chains can pack
together more closely than highly branched chains, giving polymers
that are more crystalline and therefore stronger;
- Cross-linking - if polymer chains are linked together
extensively by covalent bonds, the polymer is harder and more
difficult to melt.
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