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Related Concept Videos

Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

For any given polymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is higher than, if not equal to, the number average molecular weight (Mn). The only situation in which the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are equal is when a polymer consists only of chains with equal molecular weight. However, this never happens in a synthetic polymer, since it is difficult to control the polymerization process up to a molecular level with accuracy to a hundred percent.
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers01:24

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers

Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...

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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
11:17

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction

Published on: January 19, 2016

Nanoscale shape-memory function in highly cross-linked polymers.

T Altebaeumer1, B Gotsmann, H Pozidis

  • 1IBM Research GmbH, Zurich Research Laboratory, 8803 Rüschlikon, Switzerland.

Nano Letters
|April 16, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nanoindentation in polystyrene surfaces reveals reversible plastic deformation. This nanoscale phenomenon offers exceptional shape-memory properties for advanced material applications.

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Nanosponge Tunability in Size and Crosslinking Density
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Nanosponge Tunability in Size and Crosslinking Density

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Polymer Science

Background:

  • Topographic engraving on polymer surfaces is crucial for applications like imprint lithography and data storage.
  • Understanding nanoscale deformation mechanisms is key to developing advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the nonlinear interaction of closely spaced nanoindents in a polymer matrix.
  • To explore the reversibility of nanoscale plastic deformation and its implications for shape-memory functionality.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing thermomechanical stimuli (heat and force) to create nanoindents with a tip.
  • Applying heat up to 250°C and contact pressures up to 1 GPa for 10-microsecond durations.
  • Analyzing the interaction of nanoindents within a 20-100 nm proximity in a highly cross-linked polystyrene.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated highly reversible plastic deformation at the nanoscale.
  • Observed outstanding shape-memory functionality in the polystyrene matrix.
  • Characterized the nonlinear interactions between adjacent nanoindents.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the potential of nanoscale plastic deformation for creating materials with advanced shape-memory capabilities.
  • Findings suggest new possibilities for high-density data storage and sophisticated imprint lithography techniques.
  • The reversibility of deformation at this scale opens avenues for novel polymer-based nanodevices.