title: Hierarchical structure in polymeric materials.
abstract: The diversity of monomers available for synthesis of high polymers makes it possible to prepare a wide variety of long-chain macromolecular compounds. It is instructive to consider a hierarchical organization of structure in polymers at four successive levels--the molecular, nano-, micro-, and macrolevels--and to examine how interactions at and between these various levels of structure have important and often quite specific influences. Examples are drawn from semicrystalline polymers with flexible chains, liquid-crystalline polymers composed of rigid macromolecules, and amorphous polymers. Structural hierarchies in biocomposite systems are also discussed, particularly in soft connective tissues such as tendon and intervertebral disk.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010636:Phenols; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D011137:Polystyrenes; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010636:Phenols; D011108:Polymers; D011137:Polystyrenes; C027420:polyphenylene oxide