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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

40.1K
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...
40.1K
Polymers02:34

Polymers

23.1K
23.1K
Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

3.6K
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...
3.6K
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers01:00

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

3.8K
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.
3.8K
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers01:24

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers

3.1K
Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...
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Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

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Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
2.7K

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Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials
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The memorizing capacity of polymers.

Günter Reiter1

  • 1Physikalisches Institut and Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.

The Journal of Chemical Physics
|April 24, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Polymer properties change based on their history due to non-equilibrium states. Understanding these states allows for creating adaptable polymer products with selectable properties.

Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Physical Chemistry

Background:

  • Polymer properties are highly dependent on sample history, indicating a 'memory' effect.
  • This variability is linked to diverse non-equilibrium conformational states in polymers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between polymer properties and non-equilibrium conformational states.
  • To enable the design of polymer products with tailored, selectable properties.
  • To highlight the adaptive and responsive capacities of polymers.

Main Methods:

  • Examining property changes induced by varying drying, freezing, and crystallization procedures.
  • Controlling conformational deviations through preparation parameters, annealing, aging time, and temperature.

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  • Discussing quantitative descriptions of non-equilibrium chain conformations.

    • Main Results:

    • Demonstrated how preparation history (drying, freezing, crystallization) significantly alters polymer properties.
    • Illustrated control over out-of-equilibrium conformations via specific preparation parameters and aging.
    • Established a link between molecular-level conformational changes and macroscopic material behavior.

    Conclusions:

    • The 'memory' of polymers arises from their vast array of non-equilibrium states.
    • Decoding these states is key to developing advanced polymer materials with tunable properties.
    • Investigating out-of-equilibrium properties expands polymer science and applications, leveraging polymer adaptability.