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Polymeric systems are versatile materials made by linking monomer units into long chains, offering a wide range of physical and chemical properties that can be tailored for specific applications. Their structure and behavior are highly influenced by factors like chain length, branching, and the nature of inter-molecular interactions.
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Concept
Polymerization is a chemical process that combines small molecules, called monomers, into a covalently bonded chain or network, forming a polymer with unique properties. This process is fundamental in producing materials like plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers, which are integral to various industries and everyday applications.
Concept
Molecular weight, also known as molecular mass, is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, typically expressed in unified atomic mass units (u). It is crucial for calculating the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and determining the properties of substances in various scientific and industrial applications.
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Thermoplastics are a type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling, making them highly versatile for various applications. They can be repeatedly melted and reshaped without significant chemical change, which allows for recycling and diverse manufacturing processes.
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Thermosetting polymers are a class of polymers that irreversibly cure into a rigid structure upon heating or chemical reaction, making them highly resistant to deformation and heat. They are widely used in applications requiring durable materials, such as in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries, due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties.
Concept
Copolymerization is a chemical process that involves the polymerization of two or more different monomer species to form a copolymer with unique properties that cannot be achieved by homopolymers. This technique allows for the customization of materials with specific mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties for various applications, from plastics to biomedical devices.
Concept
Crosslinking refers to the process of chemically joining two or more molecules by a covalent bond, often used to enhance the physical properties of polymers such as strength, elasticity, and resistance to solvents. This process is crucial in various applications, including the production of durable materials, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Concept
A polymer matrix is a continuous phase in composite materials where polymers are used to bind and support other materials, enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite. It plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance and application suitability of the composite material across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Concept
Concept
The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature at which an amorphous material, such as glass or polymer, transitions from a hard and relatively brittle state into a rubbery or viscous state. This transition is not a phase change but rather a reversible change in the physical properties due to increased molecular mobility.
Concept
The Korsmeyer-Peppas model is a mathematical model used to describe drug release kinetics from polymeric systems, particularly when the release mechanism is not well understood or involves a combination of different processes. It is characterized by a power-law expression that relates the fraction of drug released to time, allowing for the identification of the release mechanism through the diffusion exponent value, 'n'.
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