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Polymers02:34

Polymers

41.1K
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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Polymers02:34

Polymers

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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

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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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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

4.0K
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...
4.0K
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity01:26

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

3.3K
Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...
3.3K
Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

3.9K
Unlike small molecules with definite molecular weights, polymers are a mixture of individual polymer chains of varying lengths, each with a unique molecular weight.  So, the molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average value based on the average size of the polymer chains. The two most common forms of averages used for polymers are the number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...
3.9K

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Application of a Coupling Agent to Improve the Dielectric Properties of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
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Nanocomposites Based on Biodegradable Polymers.

Ilaria Armentano1, Debora Puglia2, Francesca Luzi3

  • 1Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy. ilaria.armentano@unitus.it.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 16, 2018
PubMed
Summary

This review details biodegradable polymer nanocomposites developed between 2010-2018. Researchers explored various nanofillers and processing methods to create advanced materials for regenerative medicine and food packaging.

Keywords:
biodegradable polymernanocompositenanofiller

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Biodegradable polymers offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
  • Nanocomposites enhance polymer properties through the incorporation of nanofillers.
  • Recent advancements focus on tailoring nanocomposites for specific high-value applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research on biodegradable polymer nanocomposites from 2010-2018.
  • To analyze the impact of various nanofillers and processing techniques on material properties.
  • To highlight applications in regenerative medicine and food packaging.

Main Methods:

  • Mixing commercial biodegradable polymers with diverse nanofillers and additives.
  • Utilizing solvent-based and melt-mixing processes for nanocomposite fabrication.
  • Characterizing nanofiller influence based on shape, properties, and functionalization.

Main Results:

  • Successful development of biodegradable nanocomposites with tunable properties.
  • Demonstrated efficacy of specific nanofillers in enhancing material performance.
  • Identified key interactions for regenerative medicine and antimicrobial applications.
  • Showcased the role of nanofillers in active food packaging.

Conclusions:

  • Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites represent a significant advancement in materials science.
  • Careful selection of nanofillers and processing methods is crucial for targeted applications.
  • The reviewed research contributes valuable insights into the potential of these materials.