Highly Stretchable Polymers: Mechanical Properties Improvement by Balancing Intra‐ and Intermolecular Interactions

Abstract

An enhancement in the mechanical properties of poly(butylmethacrylate) is induced by folding the polymer chains through covalent intramolecular crosslinking. Intramolecular crosslinking causes an increase in intramolecular interactions and inhibition of intermolecular interactions. An intermediate intramolecular crosslinking degree shows optimal mechanical properties. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to confirm and provide molecular mechanisms to explain the experimental results.

Suwon Bae

Principal Investigator