Polymer ChemistryPolymers Are Molecules Too! |
What is a crosslinked polymer? |
When a bond is formed between two polymer chains (and technically not at the chain ends), the product is called a crosslinked polymer. Creating linkages between chains usually increases their viscosity (so more like molasses than olive oil) and creates elastic properties like those found in rubber bands. At higher levels of crosslinking, polymers can even become stiff or glassy.