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Related Concept Videos

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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Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

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The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
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Polymers02:34

Polymers

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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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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:09

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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The radical chain-growth polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination of polymerization. The polymerization initiates when a free radical generated from the radical initiator adds to the unsaturated bond in the monomer. The unpaired electron of the free radical and one π electron in the unsaturated bond creates a σ bond between the free radical and the monomer. As a result, the other π electron in the unsaturated bond converts this...
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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...
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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Reliable Mechanochemistry: Protocols for Reproducible Outcomes of Neat and Liquid Assisted Ball-mill Grinding Experiments
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Polymer mechanochemistry: from single molecule to bulk material.

Qifeng Mu1, Jian Hu2

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Recent advancements in polymer mechanochemistry leverage force-sensitive mechanophores for material innovation. This field enables the development of mechanically adaptive systems and smart devices through multidisciplinary approaches.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Mechanochemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Polymer mechanochemistry has seen significant growth due to advances in mechanophores and polymer network reactivity.
  • Applications range from mechanochemical transduction and material strengthening to smart devices and adaptive systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent progress in covalent polymer mechanochemistry.
  • To highlight key areas including productive mechanophores, mechanical remodeling, and theoretical concepts.

Main Methods:

  • Multidisciplinary approaches integrating polymer design, mechanophore development, and computational modeling.
  • Focus on principles of mechanochemical transduction and network topology.
  • Development of multifunctional mechanophores for mechanoresponsive systems.

Main Results:

  • Advancements in designing and synthesizing multifunctional mechanophores.
  • Progress in understanding and controlling mechanical remodeling of polymer networks.
  • Development of theoretical frameworks for mechanochemical reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Covalent polymer mechanochemistry is a rapidly evolving field with broad engineering applications.
  • Continued research in mechanophores, network design, and theory will drive future innovations.
  • This field offers pathways to create advanced materials with tailored mechanical responses.