Observation of a single polymer chain

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the observation and fabrication of single polymer chains, highlighting the feasibility of using microscopy techniques for this purpose. Participants mention the use of time-of-flight MALDI for determining the mass of single polymer chains and suggest that Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) may be a viable method for visualizing these chains. A reference to a significant paper published over 20 years ago in either Nature or Science indicates that this topic has been explored in the past, reinforcing its relevance in polymer science.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polymer chemistry and structure, including monomers and polymer chains.
  • Familiarity with microscopy techniques, particularly Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
  • Knowledge of mass spectrometry, specifically time-of-flight MALDI.
  • Awareness of scientific literature and research methodologies in polymer studies.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in polymer science.
  • Explore time-of-flight MALDI techniques for analyzing single polymer chains.
  • Locate and review the historical paper published in Nature or Science regarding single polymer chain observation.
  • Investigate the differences between amorphous and crystalline states of polymers.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for polymer chemists, materials scientists, and researchers interested in advanced microscopy techniques and the characterization of polymer structures.

mah65
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Hi,

I have a question regarding polymers.
You know that polymers, basically, consist of chains of polymers, each chain including number of repeating units (monomer). These chains can be in amorphous or crystalline states.

Experimentally, is it possible to fabricate and see a single chain of a polymer using microscope (any kind of microscope)?
Or, is it possible to separate a single chain out of the polymer and observe it?

Thank you
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You can do time of flight MALDI to determine the mass of single polymer chains.
 
mah65 said:
Hi,

I have a question regarding polymers.
You know that polymers, basically, consist of chains of polymers, each chain including number of repeating units (monomer). These chains can be in amorphous or crystalline states.

Experimentally, is it possible to fabricate and see a single chain of a polymer using microscope (any kind of microscope)?
Or, is it possible to separate a single chain out of the polymer and observe it?

Thank you
I think I remember seeing a paper in either Nature or Science from many years ago (>20) where this had already been done.

Chet
 
Thank you.

If published in Nature or Science, it implies to be an important issue. Could give me the exact information or link of this paper?
 
probably using AFM you can try to goole it
 

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