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Structure Properties Of The Polymers

Decent Essays

I. Concept – Properties of the polymers are determined by the molecular structure that comprises these polymers (Structure-Property Relationships).
A precise conclusion of the properties can be obtained if we have exact information about its chemical structure and the force that prevails between the atoms and the molecules (intermolecular and intramolecular forces)
Structure of the polymer can be described at various levels. From the chemical structure (i.e. its molecular formula) it can be determined which elements are present and in what ratio.
Properties that can be determined based on their chemical structure
i. From backbone – Linearity, Flexibility, Strength, Oxidation stability, etc.
Examples:
• C ¬– C: helps determine flexibility, Low barrier to torsion, but sensitive to chemical attack.
• C = C: helps determine Stiffness, Higher Strength, and High barrier to torsion in solids.
• Aromatic Rings: Helps determine rigidity in liquids, and higher strength in solids.
• Aromatic Ladder: Helps determine Ultimate rigidity. Etc.

ii. From side groups - Solubility, Crystallinity, Surface properties, Steric properties, Polar interaction between same chain or different chains, etc.
Examples:
• Hydrogen as side group
C – H: Helps determine hydrophobic, sensitive to free radicals, insensitive to various chemicals. If side group with backbone C – C than determines minimum barrier to torsion, etc.
• Alkyl groups as side units
• Aryl groups as side units
• Mesogenic side groups.

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