Polyethylene is a polymer that is flexible and often used to make clear plastic wrap. How can this polymer be changed to make it less flexible, stronger, and harder? (1 point)
1. Changing the covalent bonds to ionic bonds, which are stronger.
2. Adding larger carbon atoms in between the layers to make them more stable.
3. Cross-linking the layers of polyethylene using covalent bonds.
4. Shortening the length, the polymer so that it cannot bend as much.
3. Cross-linking the layers of polyethylene using covalent bonds.
The correct answer is option 3: Cross-linking the layers of polyethylene using covalent bonds.
Cross-linking involves creating additional covalent bonds between the polymer chains, resulting in a three-dimensional network structure. This process makes the polymer less flexible because the cross-links restrict the movement of polymer chains. It also increases the strength and hardness of the material.
To make polyethylene less flexible, stronger, and harder, option 3 - cross-linking the layers of polyethylene using covalent bonds - is the correct choice.
Polyethylene is a flexible polymer due to its long, interconnected chains of carbon atoms with single covalent bonds. These chains can easily slide past each other, resulting in the flexible nature of the material. By cross-linking the layers of polyethylene, additional covalent bonds are formed between the chains, making the material less flexible.
Cross-linking involves introducing chemical reactions that form new bonds between the polymer chains. These bonds restrict the movement of the chains and increase the strength and hardness of the material. It effectively creates a three-dimensional network, preventing the chains from sliding past each other easily.
By cross-linking, polyethylene transitions from a flexible material to a stiffer one with improved strength and hardness. This modified polyethylene can be used in applications that require more rigidity and durability, such as pipes, cables, and automotive components.