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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

40.9K
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

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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

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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...
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Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

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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...
3.8K

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Lignin Down-regulation of Zea mays via dsRNAi and Klason Lignin Analysis
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Lignin-based polymers and nanomaterials.

Adam Grossman1, Wilfred Vermerris2

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.

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Summary

Lignin, a byproduct of the paper industry, can be transformed into valuable polymers and nanomaterials. This review explores recent advancements in creating these lignin-based materials for enhanced properties and applications.

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Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Sustainable Materials

Background:

  • Lignin is a major byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, with production expected to double.
  • Currently, lignin is a low-value material primarily used for fuel or basic industrial applications.
  • Valorizing lignin into higher-value products can improve biorefinery economics and support sustainable alternatives to petroleum.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent developments in synthesizing lignin-containing polymers and nanomaterials.
  • To highlight the potential of lignin's unique chemical structure for material property enhancement.
  • To showcase how lignin can be tailored for specific material applications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on lignin-based polymer and nanomaterial synthesis.
  • Analysis of lignin's chemical properties (aromaticity, functional groups, cross-linking ability) for material applications.
  • Exploration of lignin's amenability to thermoplastic processing and nanomaterial fabrication.

Main Results:

  • Lignin's properties make it suitable as a polymer additive to improve UV-tolerance and physico-chemical characteristics.
  • Lignin can serve as a base for various nanomaterials, either alone or with other polymers.
  • Variations in lignin structure (plant source, extraction method) allow for fine-tuning of material properties like strength and elasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Lignin is a promising renewable resource for creating advanced polymers and nanomaterials.
  • Tailoring lignin's inherent structural variations enables the development of materials with specific, desirable properties.
  • Further research into lignin valorization can lead to more competitive biofuels and sustainable chemical production.