Counting primary loops in polymer gels
Author(s)
Zhou, Huaxing; Woo, Jiyeon; Cok, Alexandra M.; Wang, Muzhou; Olsen, Bradley D.; Johnson, Jeremiah A.; ... Show more Show less
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Much of our fundamental knowledge related to polymer networks is built on an assumption of ideal end-linked network structure. Real networks invariably possess topological imperfections that negatively affect mechanical properties; modifications of classical network theories have been developed to account for these defects. Despite decades of effort, there are no known experimental protocols for precise quantification of even the simplest topological network imperfections: primary loops. Here we present a simple conceptual framework that enables primary loop quantification in polymeric materials. We apply this framework to measure the fraction of primary loop junctions in trifunctional PEG-based hydrogels. We anticipate that the concepts described here will open new avenues of theoretical and experimental research related to polymer network structure.
Date issued
2012-11Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of ChemistryJournal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences (U.S.)
Citation
Zhou, H., J. Woo, A. M. Cok, M. Wang, B. D. Olsen, and J. A. Johnson. Counting Primary Loops in Polymer Gels. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 109, no. 47 (November 20, 2012): 19119-19124.
Version: Final published version
ISSN
0027-8424
1091-6490