Linear vs Crosslinked Polymers?

Linear polymers are those in which the polymer chains do not contain long chain branches (although they can contain quite large proportions of short chain branching). This allows the chains to slide past each other in elongation without becoming entangled, which means that in film applications the polymer can be cast into thin films without losing strength.

Crosslinked polymers, on the other hand, are those in which chemical bonds are formed between adjacent polymer chains, so that a network structure forms. One of the main properties of crosslinked polymers is that they tend not to melt at higher temperatures, they simply become somewhat softer, and eventually burn.

However, it is not possible to make a blanket statement about which of linear and crosslinked polymers are stronger. It depends upon a number of factors:

Molecular weight

Molecular weight distribution

Degree of crosslinking

Physical dimensions of sample (for example, a 1 µm film of a polymer and a 5 mm film of the same polymer could behave very differently).

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RE:

Linear vs Crosslinked Polymers?

What polymer is stronger out of linear and crosslinked and why?

Linear Polymers

The simplest polymer is a linear polymer. A linear polymer is simply a chain in which all of the monomers exist in a single line.

Cross-Linked Polymers

This polymer forms long chains, either branched or linear, that can form covalent bonds between the polymer molecules. Because cross-linked polymers form covalent bonds that are much stronger than the intermolecular forces that attract other polymer chains, the result is a stronger and more stable material.