Workshop on Synthesis of Macromolecules with Precisely Controlled Structure for New Materials.
Abstract
Recent development on the theoretical and synthetic experimental fronts mean that we can better tailor, characterize and understand materials based on macromolecule. Macromolecules can now be prepared by a wide range of synthetic techniques that result in polymers with very well-defined composition, architecture and molecular weight. A variety of theories, including those describing melt dynamics, liquid crystallinity and microphase organization, are sufficiently well-developed to enable prediction of particular polymer compositions are chain structures exhibiting unique properties. Theories are just starting to possess sufficient molecular detail such, that they are synthetically suggestive, thereby enabling chemists to translate the parameters into actual substances. New experimental techniques permit critical testing of theories on small-scale quantities of model materials. Computer simulations and molecular modeling are increasingly powerful tools to guide us in polymer design. However, with these new capabilities arise questions of how best to implement and exploit them. The capabilities on both the chemical & physical communities are now such that specific collaborations will certainly bear fruit. The interplay of theory & experiment, as well as physics & chemistry, is leading to mutual inspiration, providing a better tie between the predictive power of theory and materials synthesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285321
Entities
People
- Edwin L. Thomas
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology