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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
Fiber Reinforced Concrete01:22

Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete significantly enhances the structural and nonstructural properties of traditional concrete by incorporating fibers like steel, glass, and polymers. These fibers, varying from natural ones such as sisal and cellulose to manufactured ones like polypropylene and Kevlar, are mixed into hydraulic cement with aggregates. Steel fibers, often preferred for their robustness, contribute to improved ductility, toughness, and post-cracking performance. The concrete is classified...
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers01:00

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

Polymers that are made up of identical monomer units are called homopolymers. Only one repeating unit is involved in the construction of the homopolymer structure. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, polypropylene is a homopolymer constituted of propylene monomers. Here, the only repeating unit in the polymer chain is propylene.

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Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration
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Published on: March 12, 2014

Nanocomposites: structure, phase behavior, and properties.

Sanat K Kumar1, Ramanan Krishnamoorti

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. sk2794@columbia.edu

Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
|March 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nanoparticle polymer nanocomposites offer enhanced properties. This review explores strategies for controlling nanoparticle distribution, predicting optimal states, and understanding particle shape effects for improved material performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Polymer nanocomposites exhibit enhanced properties compared to neat polymers.
  • Realizing these property enhancements is challenging due to difficulties in controlling nanoparticle dispersion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for controlling nanoparticle spatial distribution in polymers.
  • To investigate methods for predicting dispersion states that optimize nanocomposite properties.
  • To examine the influence of particle shape on dispersion and property control.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in polymer nanocomposite research.
  • Analysis of strategies for nanoparticle dispersion and organization.
  • Evaluation of the relationship between particle characteristics and material properties.

Main Results:

  • General strategies for controlling nanoparticle distribution are emerging.
  • Predictive models for optimizing dispersion states are under development.
  • Particle shape significantly impacts dispersion and subsequent property enhancement.

Conclusions:

  • Controlling nanoparticle dispersion is key to unlocking enhanced nanocomposite properties.
  • Understanding the interplay between particle shape, dispersion, and properties is crucial for engineering applications.
  • Further research is needed to fully realize the potential of polymer nanocomposites.