Crosslinking mechanical properties

In the last three chapters we have examined the mechanical properties of bulk polymers. Although the structure of individual molecules has not been our primary concern, we have sought to understand the influence of molecular properties on the mechanical behavior of polymeric materials. We have seen, for example, how the viscosity of a liquid polymer depends on the substituents along the chain backbone, how the elasticity depends on crosslinking, and how the crystallinity depends on the stereoregularity of the polymer. In the preceding chapters we took the existence of these polymers for granted and focused attention on their bulk behavior. In the next three chapters these priorities are reversed Our main concern is some of the reactions which produce polymers and the structures of the products formed. 

An EB-curable struetural adhesive formulation usually eonsists of one or more crosslinkable oligomeric resins or prepolymers, along with such additives as reactive diluents, plasticizers, and wetting agents. The oligomer is an important component in terms of the development of mechanical properties. The adhesive and cohesive properties depend on the crosslink density, chemical group substitution, and molecular organization within the polymer matrix. Adhesion is achieved... 

The mechanical properties of ionomers are generally superior to those of the homopolymer or copolymer from which the ionomer has been synthesized. This is particularly so when the ion content is near to or above the critical value at which the ionic cluster phase becomes dominant over the multiplet-containing matrix phase. The greater strength and stability of such ionomers is a result of efficient ionic-type crosslinking and an enhanced entanglement strand density. 

Crosslinking, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic and Phenolic Resin Systems A Bibliography1", PLASTEC Note 11 (1966) 16) N.E. Beach, Glossary of... 

As an organic polymer, poly(tetramethylene oxide) was also used for the preparation of ceramers. The mechanical properties in these cases were much improved in comparison with those for hybrids from polysiloxanes. In these poly (tetramethylene oxide)-silica hybrids, the effect of the number of functional triethoxysilyl groups was examined [13]. As shown in Fig. 2, more multifunctional organic polymer produced more crosslinked hybrid networks. This means that the more rigid the structure in the hybrids is, the higher the modulus and the lower swelling property. 

For example, the molecular weight of unsaturated polyesters is controlled to less than 5000 g/mol. The low molecular weight of the unsaturated polyester allows solvation in vinyl monomers such as styrene to produce a low-viscosity resin. Unsaturated polyesters are made with monomers containing carbon-carbon double bonds able to undergo free-radical crosslinking reactions with styrene and other vinyl monomers. Crosslinking the resin by free-radical polymerization produces the mechanical properties needed in various applications. 

Covalent chemical bonds that occur between macromolecules are known as crosslinks. Their presence and density have a profound influence on both the chemical and mechanical properties of the materials in which they occur. 

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