Which outcome develops when an amorphous polymer matrix degrades?

💡 Explanation

Chain scission depolymerizes the long polymer chains into shorter fragments; because bond hydrolysis dominates, molecular weight decreases; therefore, the material softens, rather than hardening, because crosslinking or crystallization do not dominate degradation.

• Which outcome increases sensitivity in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy when the probe orbital overlaps with the sample?
• Which outcome increases when expanding a closed Rankine cycle with low condenser pressure?
• Which outcome is caused when latent heat escapes during solidification?
• Which outcome occurs when molecular orbitals hybridize improperly during radical polymerization?
• Which consequence results when electrons encounter oxide layers?
• Which outcome raises an engine's thermal efficiency during isothermic gas expansion stages?