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Polymers02:34

Polymers

23.1K
23.1K
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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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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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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Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
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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...
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Controlled Synthesis and Fluorescence Tracking of Highly Uniform PolyN-isopropylacrylamide Microgels
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Recent Progress on Bio-Inspired Highly Scattering Polymeric Materials.

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This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists are developing safer, highly scattering polymer materials inspired by nature. This research focuses on cellulose-based polymers as eco-friendly alternatives to titanium dioxide for various applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Biomimicry

Background:

  • High-performance scattering materials are crucial for many applications.
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common high-refractive-index material but poses environmental and health risks.
  • EU classification of TiO2 as a Category 2 carcinogen necessitates safer alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review progress in highly scattering polymeric materials.
  • To systematically evaluate natural polymers, particularly cellulose and its derivatives, for scattering applications.
  • To explore applications in optoelectronics, wearables, and radiative cooling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and systematic evaluation of natural polymers.
  • Analysis of biomimetic strategies for creating light-scattering structures.
  • Assessment of cellulose-based materials for optical properties.

Main Results:

  • Natural polymers, especially cellulose, offer a viable route to highly scattering materials.
  • Biomimetic approaches enable the design of efficient light-scattering polymer structures.
  • Cellulose-based materials show promise in optoelectronics, wearable devices, and passive radiative cooling.

Conclusions:

  • Highly scattering polymer materials present a safer and sustainable alternative to inorganic counterparts.
  • Cellulose and its derivatives are promising candidates for advanced scattering applications.
  • Future research should focus on optimizing natural polymer structures for enhanced optical performance and diverse applications.