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Intramolecular Cross‐Linking: Addressing Mechanochemistry with a Bioinspired Approach
Author(s) -
Levy Avishai,
Wang Feng,
Lang Arad,
Galant Or,
Diesendruck Charles E.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201612242
Subject(s) - mechanochemistry , intramolecular force , polymer , covalent bond , chemistry , hydrogen bond , materials science , molecule , nanotechnology , stereochemistry , composite material , organic chemistry
Many of the attractive properties in polymers are a consequence of their high molecular weight and therefore, scission of chains due to mechanochemistry leads to deterioration in properties and performance. Intramolecular cross‐links are systematically added to linear chains, slowing down mechanochemical degradation to the point where the chains become virtually invincible to shear in solution. Our approach mimics the immunoglobulin‐like domains of Titin, whose structure directs mechanical force towards the scission of sacrificial intramolecular hydrogen bonds, absorbing mechanical energy while unfolding. The kinetics of the mechanochemical reactions supports this hypothesis, as the polymer properties are maintained while high rates of mechanochemistry are observed. Our results demonstrate that polymers with intramolecular cross‐links can be used to make solutions which, even under severe shear, maintain key properties such as viscosity.