Molecular stress relief through a force-induced irreversible extension in polymer contour length.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Single-molecule force spectroscopy is used to observe the irreversible extension of a gem-dibromocyclopropane (gDBC)-functionalized polybutadiene under tension, a process akin to polymer necking at a single-molecule level. The extension of close to 28% in the contour length of the polymer backbone occurs at roughly 1.2 nN (tip velocity of 3 μm/s) and is attributed to the force-induced isomerization of the gDBCs into 2,3-dibromoalkenes. The rearrangement represents a possible new mechanism for localized stress relief in polymers and polymer networks under load, and the quantification of the force dependency provides a benchmark value for further studies of mechanically triggered chemistry in bulk polymers.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Wu, D; Lenhardt, JM; Black, AL; Akhremitchev, BB; Craig, SL

Published Date

  • November 2010

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 132 / 45

Start / End Page

  • 15936 - 15938

PubMed ID

  • 20977189

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1520-5126

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0002-7863

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1021/ja108429h

Language

  • eng