1. Introduction

Question 1

Soft Matter description (key property and consequence)

Answer 1

• Weak intermolecular forces of the order of thermal energy available at r.t.
• Solids that EASILY respond to weak external forces
  -> Mechanical Deformation

Question 2

Types of soft matter

Answer 2

• Colloids (a dispersion of one phase in another such as emulsions or suspensions)
• Liquid Crystals (Self-organised fluid phases)
• Polymers

Question 3

Polymer Definition

Answer 3

A macromolecule made up of a large number of covalently linked repeat units/monomers

Question 4

Degree of polymerisation

Answer 4

Number of repeat units (n)

Question 5

Classification of synthetic polymers by mechanism

Answer 5

• Step growth (polycondensation)
• Chain growth (polyaddition/free radical pol.)
• other…

Question 6

Classification of synthetic polymers by thermal property

Answer 6

• Thermoplast: (plastic)
  Retains the ability to flow above a certain temperature e.g. PET, PS
• Thermoset:
  Once formed, can’t become liquid again e.g. bakelite, rubbers
  -> not re-mouldable

Question 7

Explaining sigmoid curve for tensile strength of alkanes with molecular weight

Answer 7

• Summation of intermolecular forces
• Chain entanglement
• Timescales of molecular movement