👉 Plastics math involves understanding the properties and behavior of polymers, which are long chains of repeating molecular units. Key concepts include polymerization, where monomers (small molecules) link to form polymers, and the degree of polymerization, which describes the number of monomer units per polymer chain. The molecular weight distribution, often described by the polydispersity index (PDI), indicates how many chains of different lengths are present. Plastic properties like strength, flexibility, and melting point depend on these molecular characteristics. Thermoplastic plastics, like polyethylene, have linear chains that can be melted and reshaped, while thermosets, such as epoxy, form cross-linked networks that solidify permanently. Understanding these mathematical relationships helps in designing plastics with specific properties for various applications, from packaging to automotive parts.
