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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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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...
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Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...
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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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Topology effects on associative polymers.

John M Bracewell1, Rosita Sivaraj1, Dvora Perahia1,2

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA. dperahi@g.clemson.edu.

Soft Matter
|June 24, 2025
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Topology influences how associative polymers respond. Ring polymers exhibit faster dynamics but slower stress relaxation compared to linear polymers due to their unique topology and associative group clustering.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Soft Matter Physics

Background:

  • Tailoring polymer topology controls macromolecular responses.
  • Associative polymers are key to designing responsive soft materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Compare conformation and response of ring vs. linear associative polymers.
  • Investigate the effect of associative group fraction and strength on polymer dynamics.
  • Understand how chain topology influences cluster formation and dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular dynamics simulations using a coarse-grained bead-spring model.
  • Studied polymers with varying associative group fractions (f = 0.02–0.1) and interaction strengths (2–8 kBT).

Main Results:

  • Larger associative clusters form with increased fraction and strength.
  • Chain topology significantly affects cluster size and dynamics.
  • Associative groups slow stress relaxation, with a more pronounced effect on linear chains.
  • Ring polymers show faster dynamics than linear analogs despite associative constraints.

Conclusions:

  • Coupling of associative groups and entanglements slows stress relaxation.
  • Distinctive topologies (ring vs. linear) influence chain association and overall material response.
  • Understanding topology-dependent association is crucial for designing advanced soft materials.