Chains rigidity

Rubbery materials are usually lightly cross-linked. Their properties depend on the mean distance between cross links and chain rigidity. Cross linking can be quantified by the use of functions derived from graph theory, such as the Rao or molar Hartmann functions. These can be incorporated into both group additivity and QSPR equations. 

Numerous studies have probed how novolac microstmcture influences resist hthographic properties. In one example, a series of resists were formulated from novolacs prepared with varying feed ratios ofpara-jmeta-cmso. These researchers found that the dissolution rate decreased, and the resist contrast increased, as thepara-jmeta-cmso feed ratio increased (33). Condensation can only occur at the ortho position ofpara-cmso but can occur at both the ortho- and i ra-positions of meta-cmso. It is beheved that increased steric factors and chain rigidity that accompany increasedpara-cmso content modify the polymer solubihty. 

Even in solution the relative rigidity of the polymer support can play a significant role in the reactivity of attached functional groups. Contrasting studies conducted with chloromethylated derivatives of poly(arylene ether sulfone) (Tg 175°C), phenoxy resin (Tg= 65°C) and polystyrene (Tg= 105°C) allow evaluation of chain rigidity effects. We have shown that the rates of quaternization of chloromethylated poly(arylene ether sulfones) and phenoxy resin deviate from the anticipated second order process at... 

Chemical modifications of PPO by electrophilic substitution of the aromatic backbone provided a variety of new structures with improved gas permeation characteristics. It was found that the substitution degree, main chain rigidity, the bulkiness and flexibility of the side chains and the polarity of the side chains are major parameters controlling the gas permeation properties of the polymer membrane. The broad range of solvents available for the modified structures enhances the possibility of facile preparation of PPO based membrane systems for use in gas separations. 

In a pure homopolymer system, the free-energy density only depends on Ec (the quantity that determines the chain rigidity) and Ep (the quantity that determines the tendency of backbone chains to form parallel, close-packed structures). Let us first consider the relative stability of the pure polymer melt and the polymer solid in the limit of infinitely long chains. In that case, we... 

Chain-Rigidity and Rotationai Transitions as Rouse Limiting Processes... 

Main chain flexibility Main chain rigidity... 

Side-chain Main-chain Rigid Chain... 

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