If plastics are polymers, are all polymers plastic?

Learning Outcomes

  1. Represent the structure of a polymer using the model of a collection of strings
  2. Apply the string model of polymer structure to explain strengthening of polymers
  3. Critize the shortcomings of the string model of polymer structure as applied to the optical properties of polymers
  4. Explain the mer unit as the logical building block for understanding polymer structure
  5. Use molecular weight as a means of describing the average length of polymer molecules
  6. Differentiate between and infer the property implications of the following microstructural features of polymers: crystallinity, chain length, extent of cross-linking
  7. Recognize the mechanistic similarities between melting, plastic deformation, and chemical dissolution of polymers
  8. Show how differences in electronegativity between atoms in a molecule can create electric dipoles, which in turn can allow secondary bonding

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