Q1: While the thermosetting polymers are amorphous in nature, the thermoplastic polymers are either amorphous or crystalline. The crystalline polymers are characterised by the

ANS:A - low impact strength.

Low impact strength refers to a material's reduced ability to withstand sudden or dynamic loads without fracturing or breaking. It is a measure of a material's resistance to sudden or impact loading, such as when a force is applied suddenly or rapidly to the material. Materials with low impact strength are more prone to fracture or failure when subjected to impact or sudden loading conditions. Several factors can contribute to low impact strength in materials:

1. Brittleness: Materials that are inherently brittle, meaning they have little capacity for plastic deformation before fracturing, tend to have low impact strength. When subjected to impact loading, brittle materials are more likely to fracture suddenly without significant deformation.
2. Microstructural defects: Microstructural defects such as voids, inclusions, or discontinuities within the material can act as stress concentrators, leading to premature failure under impact loading conditions.
3. Temperature: Some materials exhibit reduced impact strength at low temperatures due to increased brittleness caused by reduced ductility and toughness. Similarly, high temperatures can reduce impact strength by promoting softening or degradation of the material.
4. Material properties: Certain material properties, such as hardness, modulus of elasticity, and fracture toughness, can influence a material's impact strength. For example, materials with high hardness may be more prone to brittle fracture under impact loading conditions.
5. Processing conditions: The processing history of a material, including factors such as temperature, pressure, and cooling rate during manufacturing or shaping processes, can affect its microstructure and mechanical properties, including impact strength.

Low impact strength can have significant implications for the performance and reliability of materials in various applications, particularly those subjected to dynamic loading conditions or potential impact events. Materials with low impact strength may require additional design considerations, such as incorporating impact-resistant features or selecting alternative materials with higher impact strength, to ensure adequate performance and safety in service.