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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers II01:27

Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers II

Polymer samples typically consist of macromolecular chains with a distribution of lengths, resulting in a range of molar masses rather than a single discrete value. Conventional descriptors such as the number-average molar mass and weight-average molar mass quantify this distribution but do not fully capture polymer behavior in solution..The viscosity-average molar mass provides a more realistic description of polymer behavior in solution because it accounts for the enhanced contribution of...
Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers I01:24

Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers I

Polymerization produces macromolecules with a range of chain lengths due to the random nature of molecular growth processes. As chains form and terminate at different stages, a single polymer sample contains molecules of varying sizes rather than a uniform structure. This variability is described using average molar masses and distribution-related parameters, which together provide a comprehensive understanding of polymer characteristics.The distribution of molar masses plays a critical role in...
Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

Unlike small molecules with definite molecular weights, polymers are a mixture of individual polymer chains of varying lengths, each with a unique molecular weight. So, the molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average value based on the average size of the polymer chains. The two most common forms of averages used for polymers are the number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...
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...

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Covalent Attachment of Single Molecules for AFM-based Force Spectroscopy
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Buckling in polymer monolayers: molecular-weight dependence.

S Srivastava1, J K Basu

  • 1Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|June 13, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Polymer monolayers exhibit buckling and form striped patterns upon compression. This study investigates the buckling behavior of polyvinyl acetate films, revealing molecular weight dependencies and mechanical properties.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Physics
  • Surface Chemistry

Background:

  • Langmuir monolayers are ultrathin films formed at interfaces.
  • Polymer monolayers can exhibit complex morphologies under compression.
  • Understanding mechanical properties of thin films is crucial for material design.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically investigate buckling phenomena in polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) Langmuir monolayers.
  • To analyze the influence of molecular weight on buckling patterns and periodicity.
  • To determine the mechanical properties (bending rigidity, Young's modulus) of PVAc monolayers.

Main Methods:

  • Formation of PVAc Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface.
  • Compression of monolayers to induce morphological transitions and buckling.
  • Analysis of buckling patterns and periodicity (lambdab).
  • Application of theoretical models (Milner's formalism, solidlike film model) to interpret results.

Main Results:

  • Compression leads to continuous membranes with defined periodicity.
  • Buckling occurs above a critical surface concentration, forming striped patterns.
  • Periodicity correlates with molecular weight, but models yield anomalous mechanical properties.
  • An alternative model provides more realistic, though still low, mechanical property values.
  • Buckling is suppressed above a certain molecular weight.

Conclusions:

  • PVAc monolayer buckling is dependent on molecular weight and surface concentration.
  • Existing models require refinement for accurate mechanical property determination of ultrathin polymer films.
  • Low mechanical properties may be attributed to variations in compressive modulus and film structure.