Question

Arrange the following polymers in increasing order of their intermolecular force.
(i) Nylon $6$,$6$ Buns-S polythene
(ii) Nylon $6$, Neoprene,Polyvinyl chloride.

Answer 1

Polymers can be classified on the basis of molecular forces like Vander Waals forces, hydrogen bonds & dipole-dipole interactions. They are classified as :

1 elastomer- they have elastic character & have weak intermolecular forces.Eg natural rubber

2 Fibres- that have strong hydrogen bonds or dipole-dipole interactions between polymers chain.Eg nylon 66

3 Thermoplastics- they have intermolecular forces intermediate between elastomers & fibres. Eg polythene

4 Thermosetting polymers- they undergo permanent change on heating. Eg bakelite

(i)Buna − S < polythene < Nylon 6, 6

(ii)Neoprene < polyvinyl chloride < Nylon 6