Abstract
In this review, we summarize recent developments in the field of the mechanochemistry of polymers. The aim of the review is to consider the consequences of mechanical forces and actions on polymers and polymer synthesis. First, we review classical works on chemical reactions and polymerization processes under strong shear deformations. Then, we analyze two emerging directions of research in mechanochemistry—the role of mechanophores and, for the first time, new physical phenomena, accompanying external impulse mechanical actions on polymers. Mechanophores have been recently proposed as sensors of fatigue and cracks in polymers and composites. The effects of the high-pressure pulsed loading of polymers and composites include the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya effect, emission of superradiation and the formation of metal nanoparticles. These effects provide deeper insight into the mechanism of chemical reactions under shear deformations and pave the way for further research in the interests of modern technologies.
Highlights
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in research into the mechanochemistry of polymers
Changes in the kinetics of polymerization, monomer selectivity and polymer tacticity modulated by external stimuli including mechanical force were highlighted by Doerr et al [4]
The main areas of work in the field of polymer mechanochemistry are developing in the following directions: (1)
Summary
There has been a dramatic increase in research into the mechanochemistry of polymers. The classic issues are considered in the following order: the main basic areas of mechanochemistry (Section 2), including the relationship between chemistry and technology (Section 3), current approaches to the implementation of mechanochemical effects (Section 4), and the mechanism of mechanochemical reactions in initial stages (Section 5). The effects of the high-pressure pulsed loading of polymers and composites include the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya effect, emission of superradiation and the formation of metal nanoparticles These effects provide deeper insight into the mechanism of chemical reactions under shear deformations and pave the way for further research in the interests of modern technologies
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