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Thermosoftening & Thermosetting Polymers (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Oxford AQA ChemistryOxford AQA Combined Science Double Award: Chemistry

Thermosoftening & Thermosetting Polymers

Extended Tier Only

  • Polymers can also be divided into thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers

  • Thermosetting polymers consist of chains which have strong cross-links between them

    • These polymers are strong and rigid structures that don’t melt when they are heated because lots of energy would be required to overcome the cross-links

    • They are commonly used in electrical plugs

  • Thermosoftening polymers consist of individual, tangled chains with no cross-links between them

    • These polymers therefore have low melting points, can be melted and remoulded to form different shapes

    • They are commonly used to make packaging and plastic bottles

    The structures of thermosetting and thermosoftening polymers

thermosoftening-v-thermosetting
Themosetting polymers have crosslinks in between polymer chains, but thermosoftening polymers don't

Examiner Tips and Tricks

If you are asked to explain the difference in properties, it is important to refer to the cross-links as it is the presence of these that affects the melting point of the polymer.

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    Alexandra Brennan

    Author: Alexandra Brennan

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.