Analysis of Polymer Structure and Behavior... Potential for Industrial Applications
Improvement of Performance in Various Polymer Materials such as Films and Adhesives
A systematic analysis of the characteristics of polymers with short branches has been published.
This is expected to enhance the performance of polymer materials and enable their application in various industrial fields.
A research team led by Professor Baek Choonggi from the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST (President Park Jongrae) has analyzed the entanglement and behavior of polymers with short branches, suggesting a wide range of industrial applications. The team has provided a detailed understanding of the structural behavior of polymers at the molecular level through theoretical analysis and computer simulations.
Professor Baek Chunggi
Polymers with short branches possess unique characteristics that differ from conventional linear polymers. Through systematic analysis, it is anticipated that these polymers will deliver outstanding performance in packaging materials, electronic devices, automotive parts, and medical equipment.
Compared to linear polymers, they exhibit a more densely packed chain structure and greater dynamic resistance. In particular, the random motion of the short branches and the enhanced resistance of the chain structure make it possible to develop lighter and stronger packaging materials.
The research team analyzed small molecules with 2 to 6 short branches, an area previously overlooked by existing studies. They clarified how polymers with short branches respond under pressure.
Polymers with short branches resemble several intertwined threads, similar to small strands protruding from a mass of long yarn. This structure changes the properties of the polymer, making it more robust and resilient, and increasing its resistance.
Changes in entangled linear polymers and entangled branched polymers with short branches under shear flow.
First author Choi Donghun, a researcher, explained, "We have proposed a new direction in the rheology and modeling of polymers with short branches. Utilizing the unique properties of these polymers in industry is expected to reduce costs and increase efficiency."
Professor Baek Choonggi stated, "Enhancing the performance of polymer materials can help reduce logistics costs and protect the environment. It also enables various packaging designs, thereby improving both product protection and aesthetic value."
The results of this study were published online on June 4, 2024, in the Journal of Rheology, the most prestigious journal in the field of polymer rheology issued by The Society of Rheology. The paper was selected as a featured article. The research was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the UNIST Supercomputing Center.
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