MECHANOCHEMISTRY OF COUPLED CONTRACTILE AND CHEMICAL RATE PROCESSES.
Abstract
This work is based on the realization that efficient conversion of chemical into mechanical energy can be based on macromolecular systems of the type encountered in living mechano-chemical systems, such as muscles, flagella or contractile membranes. First the general properties of swollen polymeric fibers or bands which retain their rigidity and useful elastic properties even at high degrees of swelling were studied. The behavior of cross-linked and swollen rubbers were studied in detail. The energetic parameters of interaction between the contractile gel and the added reagent were evaluated. It was found that some of the classical notions of rubber behavior could be applied to swollen rubbers. With a suitable extension of the theory of rubber elasticity, it was possible to account quantitatively for the elastic conversion points of swollen systems. It was found that very suitable mechanochemical engines could be prepared from partially cross-linked collagen fibers and strands. Under the action of strong solutions of lithium bromide or potassium thiocyanate collagen contracts quickly and reversibly and may perform cyclically without fatigue in numerous work cycles. This is the reason why most of this work is devoted to equilibrium and rate studies on collagen fibers. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0600541
Entities
People
- A. Katchalsky
Organizations
- Weizmann Institute of Science