A Rational Approach to the Design and Synthesis of Tough Glassy Polymers
Abstract
In this work we have designed and synthesized high Tg yet ductile polymers using a building block approach. In this approach functional molecular groups that provide high Tg alternate with molecular linkages that provide mobility. Specifically molecular mobility is provided by in-chain cyclohexylene units. The existence of mobility is verified by dynamic mechanical studies, and supported by positronium annihilation studies. We discovered an unusual behavior in the three series of polymers studied wherein the higher mobility is found to be accompanied by higher Tg yet lower modulus. This observation is explained in terms of the increase in the persistence length of the polymer with increasing cyclohexylene ester content. The greater persistence length improves packing, resulting in higher Tg, while the mobility reduces interchain interaction, thus reducing modulus. This work suggests that the building block approach may allow scientists to synthesize polymers with various physical functions yet with ductility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA388214
Entities
People
- Albert F. Yee
Organizations
- University of Michigan