Normalised molar mass distribution curves of two different polyethylene samples

The underlying building principle is very flexible so that polymers with an extensive range of properties and property combinations can be produced. Polymers in the shape of objects, fibres or films may be  

In addition, they may be compounded with fillers, blended with other products (e.g. glass fibres) forming so-called composites or with other pol5miers yielding polymer blends. 

A certain polymer is usually not the only material which can be used in any given field of application. Alternative materials exist and polymers have to be successful in a competitive market. Polymers often bring advantages to numerous applications, for example  

Usually, substances can exist in three possible physical states solid, liquid and gas. In polymeric materials, things are not so straightforward. For example, most polymers will decompose before they boil, and cross-linked pol5miers decompose before they melt. 

According to their basic thermal properties, four different types of polymers are distinguished. 

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Figure 1.4 Normalised molar mass distribution curves of two different polyethylene samples [29, M. Parth, et aL, 2003]...

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