STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF INTERACTION OF POLYMERS WITH LOW-MOLECULAR-MASS SUBSTANCES

Specific features of complexation between low-molecular-mass compounds (LMs) and polymers were discussed in terms of structural inhomogeneit y of amorphous glassy polymers. Introduction of LMs into the polymers was shown to be associated with distribution of the LMs between two di fferent forms, which are characterized by different energetics of bond ing with polymer matrix. This factor was responsible for a complicated character of molecular dynamics of the polymer/LM system and mechanic al behavior of such complex materials in whole. The cases, when macros copic mechanical behavior of the polymer containing LM was primarily c ontrolled by the form, in which this compound existed in polymer matri x, were considered. The future development of this direction of polyme r modification was discussed and possibilities of its practical applic ation for controlled improvement in mechanical response of polymer mat erials were outlined.