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Related Concept Videos

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

3.9K
For any given polymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is higher than, if not equal to, the number average molecular weight (Mn). The only situation in which the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are equal is when a polymer consists only of chains with equal molecular weight. However, this never happens in a synthetic polymer, since it is difficult to control the polymerization process up to a molecular level with accuracy to a hundred percent.
3.9K
Polymers02:34

Polymers

37.7K
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...
37.7K
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

3.2K
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...
3.2K
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

2.4K
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...
2.4K
Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

3.1K
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...
3.1K
Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

3.2K
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...
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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level
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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

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Polymer Dynamics: Bulk and Nanoconfined Polymers.

Takashi Sasaki1

  • 1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.

Polymers
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Polymer dynamics influence mechanical and thermal properties. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both academic research and practical applications in materials science.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Physical Chemistry

Background:

  • Polymeric systems exhibit complex dynamics influencing macroscopic properties.
  • Extensive academic and practical research has focused on understanding these dynamics.
  • Key properties affected include mechanical strength and thermal stability.

Discussion:

  • The interplay between molecular motion and bulk material characteristics is central.
  • Investigating polymer dynamics provides insights into structure-property relationships.
  • Translating fundamental understanding into engineered materials is a key objective.

Key Insights:

  • Polymer dynamics are fundamental to material performance.
  • Controlled dynamics can tailor mechanical and thermal behaviors.
  • Advanced characterization techniques are vital for studying these phenomena.

Outlook:

  • Future research will likely focus on advanced polymer architectures and stimuli-responsive materials.
  • Predictive modeling of polymer dynamics will enhance material design.
  • Sustainable polymer development necessitates a deep understanding of dynamics.