Polarization of polymers under electric field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the polarization of polymers when subjected to an electric field, exploring whether polymers can be oriented and stretched in such conditions. Participants consider the conditions under which this might occur, including the type of polymer and the strength of the electric field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether polymers will be polarized and stretched in an electric field, and if their orientation aligns with the field direction.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the polarizability of the polymer and the potential requirement for a high electric field to achieve polarization.
  • Some participants suggest that the specific type of polymer is crucial for determining the outcome of polarization and stretching.
  • There is a suggestion that polymers with oppositely charged terminal groups may be necessary for effective orientation and stretching in an electric field.
  • One participant notes that while everything except empty space is polarized in a non-zero electric field, the random thermal motion of polymer chains may hinder the desired effects of orientation and stretching.
  • Another point raised discusses the possibility of polymers with polarizable monomer units that could form a chain of dipoles, but emphasizes that coiling and folding would complicate stretching in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether polymers can be effectively polarized and stretched under an electric field, with multiple competing views regarding the requirements and behaviors of different types of polymers.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific types of polymers that would be suitable for polarization and the threshold strength of the electric field required. There are also unresolved questions regarding the impact of thermal motion on the effectiveness of polarization.

jollage
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Hi,

I'm thinking the following scenario.

I have some solution in a container, where polymers are dissolved inside. If left so, the polymer will be homogeneous in the liquids. Now I add an electric field on the two sides of the container, will the polymers be polarized and stretched? So the orientation of the polymer is basically along the direction of the electric field? And how? Is there a threshold value for the strength of the electric field? And do I need to use some specific polymer which is "polarizable"? Thanks.
 
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jollage said:
I'm thinking the following scenario.
So, what are your thoughts on the questions you've posed?
 
Bystander said:
So, what are your thoughts on the questions you've posed?
I want to know if this is possible. I'm afraid the polymer is not polarizable, or a very high electric field is required to polarize the polymer molecules.
 
Depends on the specific polymer, doesn't it? Have you a specific polymer in mind?
 
Bystander said:
Depends on the specific polymer, doesn't it? Have you a specific polymer in mind?
Yes, I assume so. That's my question. I don't know which type of polymer should be used. Do you know where I can find this information?
 
This doesn't seem to be working as far as getting you to think about what you're asking. Everything, with the possible exception of empty space (talk to the QED and QFT crowd) is polarized in any non-zero electric field. You apparently want to orient and stretch a polymer molecule. Ain't going to happen unless you happen to have a polymer with oppositely charged terminal groups. That can probably be done, but the random thermal motion of the intervening chain will completely swamp any effect. There is also the possibility of a polymer in which the monomer units within the chain are not only polarizable, but can also adopt a configuration in which the charged end of one unit is coupled to the oppositely charge end of the next, giving you a long chain of dipoles to align counter to the electric field; however, this is not going to be stretching in the field since there is coiling/folding of the polymer backbone to accommodate the coupling of the electric dipoles.
 

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