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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...
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching01:17

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching

The skeletal structure of polymers synthesized via radical polymerization is always branched. For example, the polymerization of ethylene by radical polymerization results in a low-density grade of polyethylene with a heavily branched skeletal structure. Here, the radical site abstracts hydrogen from the growing chain, and the radical site shifts from the end (a primary carbon center) to anywhere within the growing chain (a secondary carbon center). Consequently, the part of the chain from the...
Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
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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...

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Is the universal law valid for branched polymers?

Albena Lederer1, Walther Burchard, Anna Khalyavina

  • 1Polymer Separation Group, Department Analysis, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Hohe Strasse 6, 01109 Dresden, Germany. lederer@ipfdd.de

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Summary

This study examines how polymer branching affects macromolecule size calculations using the universal calibration method. Findings reveal insights into the segmental density

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Macromolecule size is typically determined using universal calibration based on the Flory-Fox equation.
  • Understanding the influence of polymer architecture on size determination is crucial for accurate characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of segmental density in branched polymer systems on the universal calibration method.
  • To evaluate the applicability of the Flory-Fox equation for complex polymer architectures.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of accurately prepared polymers with discrete molecular properties.
  • Detailed evaluation of polymer samples to assess their structural and dimensional characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The study provides a detailed analysis of how polymer branching affects the universal calibration curve.
  • Quantified the influence of segmental density on the Flory-Fox equation's predictions for branched polymers.

Conclusions:

  • The findings highlight the importance of considering polymer architecture, specifically branching and segmental density, for accurate macromolecule size determination.
  • This research refines the understanding and application of universal calibration in polymer science.