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Amplification of tension in branched macromolecules
Sergey V Panyukov1, Sergei S Sheiko, Michael Rubinstein
1P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117924, Russia.
Abstract:
We propose a method for the design of branched macromolecules that are capable of building up high tension ( approximately nN) in their covalent bonds without applying an external force. The tension is self-generated due to repulsion between branches and depends on the molecular architecture leading to amplification and focusing of tension in specific bonds. The simplest architecture is a pom-pom composed of a linear spacer and two z-arm stars at its ends resulting in z-fold tension amplification. Adsorption of those macromolecules on a substrate results in further increase in tension as compared to molecules in solution.
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