Characterization of polymer network by combination of tailored synthesis and direct analysis of its decrosslinked components. (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Chenglin; Wang, Qi
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 99(2016)
• Page Start: 594
• Page End: 597
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Polymer network -- Decrosslinking -- Characterization; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.07.064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: We propose a strategy of combination of tailored synthesis and direct analysis of decrosslinked components of the network, which is applicable to quantitative characterization of polymer network. The well-defined polymer networks with cleavable branch units were synthesized by endlinking of 3-armed prepolymer. Via decrosslinking, cleavage at the branch units, the polymer network can be transformed to linear chains, which can be analyzed by normal methods. The length between the branch units, the distribution of the branch units and the fraction of the dangling chains of the network together with the extent of reaction are directly analyzed, which give detailed description of the polymer network. Graphical abstract: Via decrosslinking, cleavage at the branch units, the polymer network can be transformed to linear chains, which can be fully analyzed by normal methods. The length between the branch unit, the distribution of the branch unit, the fraction of the dangling chain of the network together with the extent of the reaction are directly measured, which give the detailed description of the polymer network structure. Highlights: Decrosslinkable polymer networks are synthesized by radical coupling reaction of 3-armed polystyrene with cleavable core. The distribution of the branch unit and the fraction of the dangling chain of polymer gel can be directly measured. The extent of reaction for sol, gel and the whole can be obtained by direct measurement.