Synthetic Linear Polymers Research Articles

The Investigation of Synthetic Linear Polymers by X-Rays

Abstract The ultimate aim of research on high polymeric substances is to explain the properties of these substances in terms of their inner colloidal and molecular nature. x-Eay and electron diffraction investigations, as we have seen, have furnished considerable data on this inner structure. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost importance that the investigator in this field does not obtain a one-sided view from the past work. Nearly always a given study relates to only one phase of the general problem. For example, it is wrong to assume that, since the “unit cell” for cellulose has been well established, we therefore know its entire structure. In reality we have determined simply that parts of the cellulose have this structure. How these parts fit into the other parts that make up the entire system is still not clear. Here again the synthetic high polymers can be of great help. By employing simple polymeric molecules of known chemical constitution and structure, and by determining how these molecules behave in the aggregate, we may expect to make progress in understanding these complex systems. In this endeavor a closer control of both the specimens under examination and the technique itself will serve to make the diffraction method an even more valuable tool for the study of high molecular compounds.

The Investigation of Synthetic Linear Polymers by X-rays.

Abstract The ultimate aim of research on high polymeric substances is to explain the properties of these substances in terms of their inner colloidal and molecular nature. x-Eay and electron diffraction investigations, as we have seen, have furnished considerable data on this inner structure. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost importance that the investigator in this field does not obtain a one-sided view from the past work. Nearly always a given study relates to only one phase of the general problem. For example, it is wrong to assume that, since the “unit cell” for cellulose has been well established, we therefore know its entire structure. In reality we have determined simply that parts of the cellulose have this structure. How these parts fit into the other parts that make up the entire system is still not clear. Here again the synthetic high polymers can be of great help. By employing simple polymeric molecules of known chemical constitution and structure, and by determining how these molecules behave...