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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

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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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The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
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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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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...
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Aliphatic Polyethers: Classical Polymers for the 21st Century.

Rebecca Klein1,2, Frederik R Wurm3

  • 1Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55099, Mainz, Germany.

Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|May 14, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Polyethers, versatile polymers used since ancient times, remain crucial today. This review covers their history, synthesis, properties, and diverse applications in various industries.

Keywords:
poly(ethylene glycol)poly(glycerol)poly(oxetane)poly(tetrahydrofuran)polyethers

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Polyethers, characterized by (R'-O-R)n in their backbone, have a long history of use.
  • Despite their age, polyethers are highly relevant in modern applications across numerous sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of aliphatic polyethers.
  • To detail their historical context, polymerization methods, properties, and applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on poly(epoxide)s, poly(oxetane)s, and poly(tetrahydrofuran).
  • Emphasis on industrial and academic polymerization techniques, material properties, and current advancements.

Main Results:

  • Aliphatic polyethers exhibit a wide range of properties suitable for diverse applications.
  • Recent developments highlight the continued innovation and importance of these polymers.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethers are indispensable materials with a rich history and a promising future.
  • Their versatility ensures continued significance in industrial and biomedical fields.