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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...

Polymers

Polymers

Polymers

Polymers

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

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...

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

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.

Polymer Classification: Architecture

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

Published on: September 26, 2016

Flory theory for polymers.

Somendra M Bhattacharjee¹, Achille Giacometti, Amos Maritan

¹Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, 751 005, India.

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal

|November 14, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This review unifies simple analytical theories for homopolymers, using Flory theory as a guideline. It serves as a self-contained introduction for graduate students studying polymer science.

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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

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Published on: September 26, 2016

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Area of Science:

Polymer Science
Theoretical Chemistry

Background:

Homopolymers are fundamental macromolecules with diverse applications.
Understanding their behavior requires robust analytical theories.
Existing theories often lack a unified perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a unified framework for simple analytical theories of homopolymers.
To provide a self-contained introduction to the topic.
To consolidate and clarify existing theoretical approaches.

Main Methods:

Review of established analytical theories for homopolymers.
Unified framework based on the principles of Flory theory.
Detailed explanation of theoretical concepts and their interrelations.

Main Results:

A cohesive overview of key analytical theories for homopolymer behavior.
Demonstration of the unifying power of Flory theory and its extensions.
Identification of common principles and differences among theories.

Conclusions:

The unified framework simplifies the understanding of homopolymer theories.
Flory theory provides a robust foundation for analyzing homopolymer systems.
This review serves as a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers.