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Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...

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Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...

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The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael acceptor.

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The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...

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The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the generated carbocation,...

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The formation of a colloidal system is exemplified by an aqueous solution containing Cl− ions is introduced to another containing Ag+ ions, resulting in the precipitation of solid AgCl as extremely tiny crystals. Instead of settling out as a filterable precipitate, these crystals remain suspended in the liquid, showcasing a colloidal system.A colloidal system involves colloidal particles within the approximate range of 1 to 1000 nm in at least one dimension, dispersed in a medium called the...

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Related Experiment Video

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Fabrication of Anisotropic Polymeric Artificial Antigen Presenting Cells for CD8+ T Cell Activation

Fabrication of Anisotropic Polymeric Artificial Antigen Presenting Cells for CD8+ T Cell Activation

Published on: October 12, 2018

Emulsion polymerization routes to chemically anisotropic particles.

Eric B Mock¹, Charles F Zukoski

¹Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids

|August 4, 2010

Summary

Researchers developed a new method to create tiny, oddly shaped particles called anisotropic colloids. These particles have unique properties making them useful for various advanced applications.

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Published on: February 7, 2017

Area of Science:

Colloid and Surface Science
Materials Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Anisotropic colloids with controlled shapes and chemical properties are crucial for advanced materials.
Existing synthesis methods often lack precise control over particle morphology and surface chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a novel method for synthesizing chemically and shape anisotropic colloids on submicrometer scales.
To enable the creation of particles with interpenetrating sphere morphology and pH-sensitive properties.

Main Methods:

Utilized seeded emulsion polymerization with a phase-separating monomer to create particle protrusions.
Employed different surface coatings on interpenetrating spheres to achieve pH-sensitive anisotropy.
Characterized particle morphology and properties using dark-field imaging, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

Successfully synthesized submicrometer anisotropic colloids with an interpenetrating sphere structure.
Demonstrated pH-sensitive anisotropy by selectively coating different parts of the particles.
Validated particle characteristics through advanced imaging and scattering techniques.

Conclusions:

The presented seeded emulsion polymerization method offers precise control over the synthesis of complex anisotropic colloids.
These anisotropic colloids with tunable surface properties hold potential for applications in responsive materials and targeted delivery systems.