Chapter 12, Problem 12.115P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The factors that influence the viscosity of a polymer solution and the viscosity of a molten polymer are to be determined. Also, polymer glass is to be defined.

Concept introduction:

A polymer is a macromolecule that is formed from the covalently bonded structure of small molecules known as monomers. Polymers are of two types as follows:

1. Natural polymers

2. Synthetic polymers

Intermolecular forces operate between the molecules so changes with change in the phase and effects with physical properties of the substance. In intermolecular forces, the bond is formed between two molecules with partial charges that are present relatively far away from each other.

Viscosity is the quantity that determines the resistance of the liquid to flow. Both liquids and gases can flow but gases have high viscosity than liquids. Viscosity is directly related to the intermolecular forces and therefore increases with increase in the intermolecular forces. The increasing order of strength is as follows:

$\text{dispersion forces}<\text{dipole}-\text{dipole forces}<\text{hydrogen bonds}<\text{ion}-\text{dipole forces}$