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Related Concept Videos

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:20

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

2.1K
The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
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Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the...
2.4K
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

2.1K
The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael...
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Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

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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.
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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:10

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

2.5K
Chain-growth or addition polymerization is successive addition reactions of monomers with a polymer chain. In radical chain-growth polymerization, the reaction proceeds via a free-radical intermediate. The free radical is formed from radical initiators, which spontaneously generate free radicals by homolytic fission. Organic peroxides (such as dibenzoyl peroxide, as shown in Figure 1) or azo compounds are popular radical initiators. A low concentration ratio of radical initiator to monomer is...
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Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

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Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
3.6K

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Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
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A Highly Dynamic Covalent Polymer Network without Creep: Mission Impossible?

Filip Van Lijsebetten1, Tapas Debsharma1, Johan M Winne1

  • 1Polymer Chemistry Research group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC) and Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S4, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
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Dynamic covalent polymer networks offer recyclable thermosets and elastomers by controlling bond reactivity. This approach balances thermal reprocessability with dimensional stability for sustainable materials.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Thermosets and elastomers present recycling challenges.
  • Dynamic covalent polymer networks offer a potential solution.
  • Balancing reprocessability and dimensional stability remains a key design constraint.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight promising concepts for dynamic covalent polymer networks.
  • To emphasize controlling chemical reactivity at different temperatures.
  • To discuss the development of sustainable polymeric materials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advancements in dynamic covalent chemistry.
  • Analysis of strategies for decoupling reactivity at low and high temperatures.
  • Examination of rheological analysis with extrapolation-based approaches.

Main Results:

  • Identification of concepts for creep-resistant, highly dynamic polymer networks.
  • Demonstration of improved bond reactivity control.
  • Highlighting the impact of sharp reactivity changes in rheological analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Abandoning the concept of "permanent" reactivity is crucial.
  • Development of sustainable polymers combining thermoplastic and thermoset properties is achievable.
  • Controlled reactivity enables materials with enhanced performance and recyclability.