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Polymers

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,...

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers

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...

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...

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

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.

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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,...

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

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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Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives

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Free-standing, single-monomer-thick two-dimensional polymers through covalent self-assembly in solution.

Kangkyun Baek¹, Gyeongwon Yun, Youngkook Kim

¹Center for Self-assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science, Pohang, 790-784, Republic of Korea.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|April 12, 2013

Summary

Researchers developed a new method to create free-standing, single-monomer-thick two-dimensional (2D) polymers in solution. This breakthrough avoids templates and preorganization, enabling novel applications for 2D polymer materials.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Synthesizing two-dimensional (2D) polymers in solution is challenging, typically requiring solid surfaces or preorganization.
Existing methods limit the formation of free-standing, single-monomer-thick 2D polymers.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel solution-based method for synthesizing free-standing, single-monomer-thick 2D polymers.
To demonstrate a shape-directed covalent self-assembly approach using rigid, disk-shaped building blocks.

Main Methods:

Employed shape-directed covalent self-assembly of rigid, disk-shaped building blocks with peripheral reactive groups.
Utilized a thiol-ene click reaction between a cucurbit[6]uril derivative ((allyloxy)12CB[6]) and 1,2-ethanedithiol.
Leveraged electrostatic repulsion via spermine to maintain separation of polymer sheets during synthesis.

Main Results:

Successfully synthesized robust, free-standing, single-monomer-thick 2D polymers in solution.
Characterized the 2D polymer structure using gold nanoparticle labeling and scanning transmission electron microscopy.
Demonstrated the generality of the approach with different monomers.

Conclusions:

The novel method enables template-free synthesis of single-monomer-thick 2D polymers in solution.
These 2D polymers show potential for applications in selective transport, drug delivery, and chemical sensing.
The approach provides a platform for ordered functionalization and bottom-up 3D construction.