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Polymers02:34

Polymers

40.7K
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...
3.9K
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity01:26

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

3.2K
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...
3.2K
Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

3.8K
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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Functional Polymers Through Mechanochemistry.

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    Researchers developed new mechanochromic polymers that change color when mechanically stressed. These materials harness non-covalent interactions for applications in force detection and damage monitoring.

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    Area of Science:

    • Materials Science
    • Polymer Chemistry
    • Supramolecular Chemistry

    Background:

    • Mechanical and chemical processes are coupled in nature.
    • Artificial materials that respond to mechanical stimulation are emerging.
    • Non-covalent interactions are key to developing responsive materials.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To exploit non-covalent interactions in supramolecular polymers.
    • To translate mechanical stresses into pre-defined events.
    • To develop mechanochromic polymers for technical applications.

    Main Methods:

    • Focusing on supramolecular polymeric materials.
    • Utilizing non-covalent interactions.
    • Developing mechanochromic polymers that alter optical properties.

    Main Results:

    • Several new operating principles and mechanosensitive entities were developed.
    • Novel materials systems exhibiting mechanochromism were created.
    • Demonstrated potential for translating mechanical stress into optical changes.

    Conclusions:

    • Mechanochromic polymers offer a pathway for mechanical stress transduction.
    • These materials have potential applications in sensitive force detection.
    • They can be used for monitoring degradation and damage in various objects.