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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

34.3K
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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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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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.
7.6K
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:20

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

2.0K
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,...
2.0K
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

2.7K
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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Monitoring the Effects of Illumination on the Structure of Conjugated Polymer Gels Using Neutron Scattering
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Polymers and light: a love-hate relationship.

M A Sachini N Weerasinghe1, Tochukwu Nwoko1, Dominik Konkolewicz1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University 651 E High St Oxford OH 45056 USA d.konkolewicz@miamioh.edu.

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Polymers interact with light in both beneficial and destructive ways. Understanding these "love" and "hate" relationships is key for developing new materials and solving existing polymer challenges.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Photochemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • The interaction between polymers and light is a rapidly growing field.
  • These interactions can be either constructive or destructive, impacting material properties and applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the dual nature of polymer-light interactions.
  • To highlight both the beneficial (photophilic) and detrimental (photophobic) aspects of these relationships.
  • To inform future research and applications in polymer science and materials engineering.

Main Methods:

  • This perspective synthesizes existing research on polymer-light interactions.
  • It categorizes phenomena into photophilic and photophobic interactions.
  • Key examples and applications are discussed for each category.

Main Results:

  • Photophilic interactions enable applications like photopolymerization, controlled drug delivery, and waste management.
  • Photophobic interactions lead to issues such as photodegradation, discoloration, and loss of material functionality.
  • Understanding these opposing effects is crucial for material design and performance optimization.

Conclusions:

  • Harnessing photophilic interactions can lead to advanced polymer-based systems.
  • Mitigating photophobic effects is essential for enhancing polymer durability and longevity.
  • A balanced understanding of both polymer-light interactions is vital for innovation in materials science.