Journal Article

FZJ-2021-01528

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Cooperative Chain Dynamics of Tracer Chains in Highly Entangled Polyethylene Melts

Zamponi, M. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Kruteva, M.FZJ* ; Monkenbusch, M.FZJ* ; Willner, L.FZJ* ; Wischnewski, A.FZJ* ; Hoffmann, I. ; Richter, D.FZJ*

2021
APS College Park, Md.

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/27803  doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.187801

Abstract: By neutron spin echo spectroscopy, we have studied the center of mass motion of short tracer chains on the molecular length scale within a highly entangled polymer matrix. The center of mass mean square displacements of the tracers independent of their molecular weight is subdiffusive at short times until it has reached the size of the tube d; then, a crossover to Fickian diffusion takes place. This observation cannot be understood within the tube model of reptation, but is rationalized as a result of important interchain couplings that lead to cooperative chain motion within the entanglement volume ∼d3. Thus, the cooperative tracer chain motions are limited by the tube size d. If the center of mass displacement exceeds this size, uncorrelated Fickian diffusion takes over. Compared to the prediction of the Rouse model we observe a significantly reduced contribution of the tracer’s internal modes to the spectra corroborating the finding of cooperative rather than Rouse dynamics within d3.

Keyword(s): Polymers, Soft Nano Particles and Proteins (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
2. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)
3. Neutronenstreuung (JCNS-1)
4. Streumethoden (JCNS-2)
5. JCNS-4 (JCNS-4)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (FZJ) (POF4-6G4) (POF4-6G4)
2. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)

Experiment(s):

1. Measurement at external facility

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Electronics and Telecommunications Collection ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOAP3 sponsored Journal ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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