What are the differences between a linear and crosslinked polymer?

Question

Accepted Answer

The differences between a linear and crosslinked polymer are listed in the table below.

Linear polymer
Crosslinked polymer

Are macromolecules that are made from many monomer units that are arranged in a linear line
Are macromolecules that have covalent bonds between polymer molecules

Has straight chain structures
Has network structures

Materials have high melting points due to closely packed polymer chains 
Do not have high melting points, instead become a soft material that burns

The degree of crosslinking is zero
The degree of crosslinking is a positive value

Have thermosets and elastomers 
Have thermoplastics

Examples are Teflon, polypropylene 
Examples are polyester fiberglass, epoxy resins, vulcanized rubber

Linear polymer	Crosslinked polymer
Are macromolecules that are made from many monomer units that are arranged in a linear line	Are macromolecules that have covalent bonds between polymer molecules
Has straight chain structures	Has network structures
Materials have high melting points due to closely packed polymer chains	Do not have high melting points, instead become a soft material that burns
The degree of crosslinking is zero	The degree of crosslinking is a positive value
Have thermosets and elastomers	Have thermoplastics
Examples are Teflon, polypropylene	Examples are polyester fiberglass, epoxy resins, vulcanized rubber

What are the differences between a linear and crosslinked polymer?

Posted October 22, 2022