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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

39.1K
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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Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

3.5K
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...
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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...
2.9K

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Microfluidic Fabrication of Polymeric and Biohybrid Fibers with Predesigned Size and Shape
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Intelligent Polymers, Fibers and Applications.

Li Jingcheng1, Vundrala Sumedha Reddy1, W A D M Jayathilaka1

  • 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centre for Nanotechnology & Sustainability, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore.

Polymers
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Intelligent materials, or smart materials, adapt their molecular structure and function in response to external stimuli. This review covers recent advancements and applications of these responsive polymers and fibers.

Keywords:
intelligent materialspolymersstimuli-responsive

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Intelligent materials, also known as smart materials, mimic natural biological systems' sensing-reacting-learning mechanisms.
  • The demand for dynamic, adaptive, and responsive polymer- and fiber-based smart materials is growing in academia and industry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent progress in intelligent materials.
  • To focus on the applications of smart materials in diverse fields.
  • To summarize their performance and working mechanisms based on various stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in intelligent materials.
  • Analysis of material responses to physical, chemical, and biological stimuli.
  • Summarization of applications across various scientific and industrial domains.

Main Results:

  • Intelligent materials exhibit adaptive functionality in response to stimuli like temperature, electric/magnetic fields, deformation, pH, and enzymes.
  • Recent progress showcases diverse applications driven by the inherent responsiveness of these materials.
  • The review consolidates understanding of working mechanisms and performance metrics.

Conclusions:

  • Intelligent materials offer significant potential due to their adaptive nature and responsiveness.
  • Further research is needed to address existing challenges and explore future opportunities in the field.
  • Continued development promises expanded applications in various sectors.