Multiple choice

Arrange the following polymers in increasing order of their glass transition temperature (Tg)?

  1. Poly(acrylic acid)
  2. Poly(zinc acrylate)
  3. Polymethylacrylate

  1. 1 < 2 < 3

  2. 1 < 3 < 2

  3. 2 < 3 <1

  4. 2 < 1 < 3

  5. 3 < 2 < 1
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D Correct answer
Explanation

The presence of strong intermolecular bonds in a polymer chain, i.e., a high value of cohesive energy density, will significantly increase Tg. Intermolecular forces increases on going from the intermolecular forces in poly(methyl acrylate), an ester, through the strong hydrogen bonds in poly(acrylic acid) to primary ionic bonds in poly(zinc acrylate). Hence, Tg also increases in the order- polymethylacrylate (Tg = 3 °C) < poly(acrylic acid) (Tg = 106 °C) < poly(zinc acrylate) (Tg >400 °C).

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