Cross-linking definition

By combining random flight statistics from Chap. 1 with the statistical definition of entropy from the last section, we shall be able to develop a molecular model for the stress-strain relationship in a cross-linked network. It turns out to be more convenient to work with the ratio of stretched to unstretched lengths L/Lq than with y itself. Note the relationship between these variables ... 

Whea there are reactants with three or more functionahties participating ia the polymerization, branching and the formation of iatermolecular linkages, ie, cross-linking of the polymer chains, become definite possibiUties. If extensive cross-linking occurs in a polymer system to form network stmctures, the mobiUty of the polymer chains is greatiy restricted. Then the system loses its fluidity and transforms from a moderately viscous Hquid to a gelled material with infinite viscosity. The experimental results of several such reaction systems are collected in Table 6. 

Model Networks. Constmction of model networks allows development of quantitative stmcture property relationships and provide the abiUty to test the accuracy of the theories of mbber elasticity (251—254). By definition, model networks have controlled molecular weight between cross-links, controlled cross-link functionahty, and controlled molecular weight distribution of cross-linked chains. Sihcones cross-linked by either condensation or addition reactions are ideally suited for these studies because all of the above parameters can be controlled. A typical condensation-cure model network consists of an a, CO-polydimethylsiloxanediol, tetraethoxysilane (or alkyltrimethoxysilane), and a tin-cure catalyst (255). A typical addition-cure model is composed of a, ffl-vinylpolydimethylsiloxane, tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane, and a platinum-cure catalyst (256—258). 

Cross-linked versions of water-soluble polymers swollen in aqueous media are broadly referred to as hydrogels (52) and have a growing commercial utility in such apphcations as oxygen-permeable soft contact lenses (qv) (53) (Table 4) and controUed-release pharmaceutical dmg deflvery devices (54). Cross-linked PVP and selected copolymers fit this definition and are of interest because of the following stmcture/performance characteristics ... 

A substantial proportion of cross-linked material was obtained with 2 x 107 r, clearly indicating that ring participation, probably following scission43, is important. The infrared spectra of these polymers were not very informative, but definitely showed carbonyl and C=C bands, obviously coming from cleaved rings. 

These compds may be modified by monocar-boxy lie acids or poly hydroxy alcohols. This definition includes the polycarbonates (qv), which are a well-defined segment of the general class of polyesters. Unsaturated polyesters, which are produced when any of the reactants contain non-aromatic unsaturation, can be cross-linked or copolymerized with an un-saturated copolymerizable monomer. The formulas and properties of the class polyester are as varied and extensive as the reactants themselves. For specific information on the various sub-classes and sub-sub classes, the following refs should be consulted 9, 10, II, 16a, 17,18,... 

Polymer films that are sensitive to light, x-rays, or electrons— known as photoresists—are nsed extensively to transfer the pattern of an electronic circuit onto a semiconductor surface. Such films must adhere to the semiconductor surface, cross-link or decompose on exposure to radiation, and nndergo development in a solvent to achieve pattern definition. Virtually all aspects of photoresist processing involve surface and interfacial phenomena, and there are many outstanding problems where these phenomena mnst be controlled. For example, the fabrication of multilayer circuits requires that photoresist films of about 1-pm thickness be laid down over a semiconductor surface that has already been patterned in preceding steps. 

More recently 233) it has been reported that cross-linked polystyrene containing imidazole ligands did not provide a support rigid enough to prevent dimerization, and that the p-oxo dimer was benzene extracted from oxygenated tetraphenyl porphyrin iron(ll), Fe(TPP), which had been attached to the modified polystyrene. A discussion of model synthetic porphyrins, from which definitive structural and other physical data are obtained, is given in section V.C. 

DNA arrays have been categorized into different formats based upon what is immobilized to the surface (also known as the solid phase, substrate, or chip) and what is captured from the sample solution. Definitions change depending upon the format. For the classic Southern dot blot, the sample was first spotted down on the surface, cross-linked, and then bathed with a radio-labeled oligonucleotide under hybridization (complementary nucleic acid strand base-pairing) conditions to detect the presence of a parhcular sequence within the sample. This was called probing. The oligonucleohde... 

Actually, crosslinks control the molecular packing and indeed significantly affect the elastic modulus of the material. As the intermolecular energy of kink formation is also determined by elastic modulus, the yield stress will definitely vary with modulus and thus the cross -linking density. In other words, crosslinks may not seriously affect the activation segment configuration in the molecular chain but will indirectly control the yield stress. 

Note 1 A polyelectrolyte network is sometimes called a cross-linked polyelectrolyte. Use of the latter term is not recommended unless the polyelectrolyte network is formed by the cross-linking of existing polyelectrolyte macromolecules rather than by nonlinear polymerization. (See the definition of a crosslink, definition 1.59, ref [4].)... 

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