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