Structure–Dilute Solution Property Relationships of Comblike Macromolecules in a Good Solvent

The structural characterization of branched polymers still poses experimental challenges despite their technological potential. This lack of clarity is egregious in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a common industrial plastic. Here, we design a coarse-grain, implicit solvent molecular dynami...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Macromolecules 2022-02, Vol.55 (3), p.766-775
Main Authors: Ivancic, Robert J. S, Orski, Sara V, Audus, Debra J
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The structural characterization of branched polymers still poses experimental challenges despite their technological potential. This lack of clarity is egregious in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a common industrial plastic. Here, we design a coarse-grain, implicit solvent molecular dynamics model for LLDPE in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, a canonical good solvent, that replicates all-atom simulations and experiments. We employ this model to test the relationship between the contraction factors, the ratios of branched to linear dilute solution properties. In particular, we relate the contraction factor of the radius of gyration to that of the intrinsic viscosity and the hydrodynamic radius. The contraction exponents are constant as we vary branch length and spacing in contrast to theoretical expectations. We use this observation to develop a general theory for the dilute solution properties of linear polymers with linear side-chain branches, comblike macromolecules, in a good solvent and validate the theory by generating master curves for LLDPE.
ISSN:0024-9297
1520-5835
DOI:10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02271