Which of the following are characteristics of thermosetting polymers?

1. Heavily branched cross - linked polymers

2. Linear slightly branched long chain molecules

3. Become infusible on moulding so cannot be reused

4. Soften on heating and harden on cooling, can be reused

Thermosetting polymers are polymers which have 3D network structure that is irreversibly hardened by heat and have heavily branched cross polymer chains. They are also known as thermosets.

Example- Bakelite, melamine etc.

Characteristics of Thermosetting polymers are :

Polymer chains get highly cross-linked on heating

It can’t be reprocessed

They are hard, strong and can’t be reclaimed for waste.