Effect of different monomer precursors with identical functionality on the properties of the polymer network

Abstract

The association between thermo-mechanical properties in polymers and functionality ofmonomer precursors is frequently exploited in the materials science. However, it is notknown if there are more variables beyond monomer functionality that have a similar link.Here, by using simulations to generate spatial networks from chemically different monomerswith identical functionality we show that such networks have universal graph-theoreticalproperties as well as a near-universal elastic modulus. The vitrification temperature wasfound to be universal only up to a certain network density, as measured by the bond con-version. The latter observation is explained by the fact that monomer’s tendency to coilenhances formation of topological holes, which, when accumulated, amount to a percolatingcell complex restricting network’s mobility. This higher-order percolation occurs late aftergelation and is shown to coincide with the onset of brittleness, as indicated by a suddenincrease in the glass transition temperature.