block copolymers
Linked polymer segments
Block copolymers are polymers made of two or more chemically distinct segments joined end to end, forming a chain of repeating blocks.
Unlike random copolymers where different units mix throughout, block copolymers keep each type grouped together: The material uses block copolymers to combine the flexibility of rubber with the strength of plastic.
They're engineered for properties no single polymer could achieve alone.
Amphiphile clusters in solution
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- nanostructuresAtomic-scale engineered arrangements
- orderingPlacing in sequence
- thin filmsUltra-shallow material layers
templates · lithography · annealing · equilibrium · kinetics
Carrying negative charge
- cationicHaving lost electrons
- ring-openingCleaving a cyclic structure
- initiatorsThose who launch actions
- monomersSingle molecular units
Divided into sections
- graftIllicit political gain
- taperedGradually narrowing in width
- sequencedPut in order
- architectureBuilding design discipline
domains · lamellae · cylindrical · spherical · morphology · nanoscale · macromolecule
Bonding substances
- surfactantsAgents reducing surface tension
- membranesThin flexible tissue layers
- coatingsApplied surface layers
Conveying medicine to tissues
- gene therapyMedical DNA modification treatment
- hydrogelsWater-swollen polymer networks
- scaffoldsTemporary elevated work platforms
- biocompatibleAccepted by living tissue
smart materials · nanomedicine · filtration · fuel cells · photovoltaics · biomimetic
Tendency to resume original form
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- crystallinityStructural atomic order degree
- tensile strengthResistance to pulling force
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
micelles
Amphiphile clusters in solution
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- nanostructuresAtomic-scale engineered arrangements
- orderingPlacing in sequence
thin films · templates · lithography · annealing · equilibrium · kinetics
anionic
Carrying negative charge
- cationicHaving lost electrons
- ring-openingCleaving a cyclic structure
- initiatorsThose who launch actions
segmented
Divided into sections
architecture · domains · lamellae · cylindrical · spherical · morphology · nanoscale · macromolecule
adhesives
Bonding substances
- surfactantsAgents reducing surface tension
- membranesThin flexible tissue layers
- coatingsApplied surface layers
drug delivery
Conveying medicine to tissues
- gene therapyMedical DNA modification treatment
- hydrogelsWater-swollen polymer networks
- scaffoldsTemporary elevated work platforms
biocompatible · smart materials · nanomedicine · filtration · fuel cells · photovoltaics · biomimetic
elasticity
Tendency to resume original form
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- crystallinityStructural atomic order degree
- tensile strengthResistance to pulling force
- Macromoleculesprotein, proteins, DNA, polysaccharide, polysaccharides
- polymerselastomers, monomer, polyurethane foam, silicone rubber, copolymer
- soft mattercolloids, emulsions, gels, foams, surfactants
- supramoleculeshost-guest chemistry, self-assembly, encapsulation, host-guest, lariats
- surfactantssurfactant, surfactants, detergent, detergents, soap