Structural and mechanical aspects of interaction of polymers with low-molecular-mass substances

Abstract Specific features of complexation between low-moiecular-mass compounds (LMs) and polymers were discussed in terms of structural inhomogeneity of amorphous glassy polymers. Introduction of LMs into the polymers was shown to be associated with distribution of the LMs between two different forms, which are characterized by different energetics of bonding with polymer matrix. This factor was responsible for a complicated character of molecular dynamics of the polymer/LM system and mechanical behavior of such complex materials in whole. The cases, when macroscopic mechanical behavior of the polymer containing LM was primarily controlled by the form, in which this compound existed in polymer matrix, were considered. The future development of this direction of polymer modification was discussed and possibilities of its practical application for controlled improvement in mechanical response of polymer materials were outlined.