Topological Structure Evolution of Polymer Network Based on Star-shaped Multi-armed Precursors

Hui Li; Zi-Jian Xue; Yao-Hong Xue; Yingxiang Li; Hong Liu

doi:10.1007/s10118-025-3324-8

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Topological Structure Evolution of Polymer Network Based on Star-shaped Multi-armed Precursors

RESEARCH ARTICLE | Updated：2025-07-15

- Topological Structure Evolution of Polymer Network Based on Star-shaped Multi-armed Precursors
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science Vol. 43, Issue 7, Pages: 1240-1252(2025)
- Affiliations：
  
  a.School of Material Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
  b.Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
  c.Information Science School, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou 510320, China
- Author bio：
  
  yingxiangli@m.scnu.edu.cn
- Funds：
- DOI：10.1007/s10118-025-3324-8
  CLC：
- Received：03 December 2024，
  
  Revised：08 February 2025，
  
  Accepted：20 February 2025，
  
  Published Online：15 April 2025，
  
  Published：01 July 2025
- Accepted：
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Li, H.; Xue, Z. J.; Xue, Y. H.; Li, Y. X.; Liu, H. Topological structure evolution of polymer network based on star-shaped multi-armed precursors. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2025, 43, 1240–1252

Hui Li, Zi-Jian Xue, Yao-Hong Xue, et al. Topological Structure Evolution of Polymer Network Based on Star-shaped Multi-armed Precursors[J]. Chinese journal of polymer science, 2025, 43(7): 1240-1252.
Li, H.; Xue, Z. J.; Xue, Y. H.; Li, Y. X.; Liu, H. Topological structure evolution of polymer network based on star-shaped multi-armed precursors. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2025, 43, 1240–1252 DOI： 10.1007/s10118-025-3324-8.

Hui Li, Zi-Jian Xue, Yao-Hong Xue, et al. Topological Structure Evolution of Polymer Network Based on Star-shaped Multi-armed Precursors[J]. Chinese journal of polymer science, 2025, 43(7): 1240-1252. DOI： 10.1007/s10118-025-3324-8.

摘要

This research focuses on the structure characteristics of polymer networks

including the number

and size dispersity of loops. We note that polydispersity of loop sizes is universal. While the size distribution is primarily related to the functionality of precursors

with fewer precursor arms system exhibiting larger average loop sizes.

Abstract

The performance of polymer network

is directly determined by their structure. Understanding the network structure offers insights into optimizing material performance

such as elasticity

toughness

and swelling behavior. Herein

in this study we introduce the Dijkstra algorithm from graph theory to characterize polymer networks based on star-shaped multi-armed precursors by employing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations coupled with stochastic reaction model. Our research focuses on the structure characteristics of the generated networks

including the number and size of loops

as well as network dispers

ity characterized by loops. Tracking the number of loops during network generation allows for the identification of the gel point. The size distribution of loops in the network is primarily related to the functionality of the precursors

and the system with fewer precursor arms exhibiting larger average loop sizes. Strain-stress curves indicate that materials with identical functionality and precursor arm lengths generally exhibit superior performance. This method of characterizing network structures helps to refine microscopic structural analysis and contributes to the enhancement and optimization of material properties.

关键词

Keywords

references

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Related Institution

Division of Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, The Leuven Mathematical Modeling and Computational Science Centre (LMCC) and The Leuven Materials Research Centre (LMRC), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F,- Heverlee

Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University

Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology

MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering Zhejiang University

Current address: Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine

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