Observation of a single polymer chain

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of observing a single polymer chain using various microscopy techniques. Participants explore whether it is possible to fabricate and visualize a single polymer chain or to isolate one for observation, touching on both experimental and theoretical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of observing a single polymer chain using any type of microscope and whether it can be separated from the bulk polymer for observation.
  • Another participant suggests that time of flight MALDI can be used to determine the mass of single polymer chains, indicating a method for analysis.
  • A different participant recalls a paper published over 20 years ago in either Nature or Science that purportedly discusses the observation of a single polymer chain.
  • There is a request for the specific reference or link to the mentioned paper to verify the claim.
  • One participant proposes that atomic force microscopy (AFM) might be a viable technique for observing single polymer chains and suggests searching for related information online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of certainty regarding the methods and previous research on observing single polymer chains. There is no consensus on the best approach or the existence of the referenced paper.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific microscopy techniques and past research but lacks detailed information on the methodologies or results of the mentioned studies. Assumptions about the capabilities of different microscopy methods remain unverified.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and students interested in polymer science, microscopy techniques, and experimental methods for observing molecular structures may find this discussion relevant.

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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