Molecular stress relief through a force-induced irreversible extension in polymer contour length

J Am Chem Soc. 2010 Nov 17;132(45):15936-8. doi: 10.1021/ja108429h. Epub 2010 Oct 26.

Abstract

Single-molecule force spectroscopy is used to observe the irreversible extension of a gem-dibromocyclopropane (gDBC)-functionalized polybutadiene under tension, a process akin to polymer necking at a single-molecule level. The extension of close to 28% in the contour length of the polymer backbone occurs at roughly 1.2 nN (tip velocity of 3 μm/s) and is attributed to the force-induced isomerization of the gDBCs into 2,3-dibromoalkenes. The rearrangement represents a possible new mechanism for localized stress relief in polymers and polymer networks under load, and the quantification of the force dependency provides a benchmark value for further studies of mechanically triggered chemistry in bulk polymers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Butadienes / chemistry*
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry*
  • Elastomers / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Stress, Mechanical*

Substances

  • Butadienes
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Elastomers
  • gem-dibromocyclopropane
  • polybutadiene