Cristobalite
Cristobalite is a high-temperature polymorph of silica (SiO₂). It is one of the several crystalline forms of silica, the others being quartz and tridymite. Cristobalite is characterized by its distinct crystal structure and is typically stable at temperatures above about 1,470 °C (2,680 °F). Cristobalite can form in volcanic rocks and is often found in deposits resulting from the cooling of molten lava.
(230965) 2004 XA192
(230965) 2004 XA192 is an asteroid that is part of the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered in 2004 and is classified as a near-Earth object (NEO) due to its orbit bringing it relatively close to Earth's path around the Sun.
Methylaluminoxane
Methylaluminoxane (MAO) is a chemical compound that is often used as a cocatalyst in the production of certain types of polymerization reactions, particularly in the field of olefin polymerization. It is an aluminum-based compound and is primarily known for its role in activating specific metal catalysts, such as those based on transition metals, to produce high-performance polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene.
Thermosetting polymer
Thermosetting polymers, or thermosets, are a type of polymer that becomes irreversibly hard when heated and cured. Unlike thermoplastics, which can be melted and re-shaped multiple times, thermosetting polymers undergo a chemical change during the curing process that results in a rigid, inflexible material. This curing process typically involves a reaction with a hardener or cross-linking agent, which links the polymer chains together, creating a three-dimensional network.
Ostwald's rule
Ostwald's rule, also known as Ostwald's dilution law, refers to a principle in chemistry that describes the behavior of certain solutions when they are diluted. Specifically, it states that the more dilute a solution is, the more likely it is to favor the formation of the most stable form of a solute or product, often in relation to an equilibrium process.
Actuarial polynomials
Actuarial polynomials are specific mathematical tools used primarily in actuarial science, often in the context of modeling and calculating insurance liabilities, annuities, and life contingencies. They can be used to represent functions that describe various actuarial processes or outcomes.
Brenke–Chihara polynomials
Brenke–Chihara polynomials are a specific sequence of polynomials that arise in the context of combinatorics and orthogonal polynomials. They are related to various mathematical areas including approximation theory, numerical analysis, and probability theory. These polynomials can be defined recursively and are often characterized by certain orthogonality conditions concerning a weight function over an interval. The exact properties and applications can vary significantly depending on the context in which the polynomials are used.
Central polynomial
In the context of algebra and algebraic structures, particularly in the theory of rings and algebras, a **central polynomial** typically refers to a polynomial in several variables that commutes with all elements of a certain algebraic structure, such as a matrix algebra or a group algebra.
Poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) is a polymer derived from the polymerization of pentafluorophenyl acrylate, which is an acrylate monomer containing a pentafluorophenyl group. The "pentafluorophenyl" refers to a phenyl ring (a six-carbon aromatic ring) that has five of its hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine atoms.
Poly(phthalaldehyde)
Poly(phthalaldehyde) (PPA) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its unique properties, such as high rigidity, thermal stability, and good chemical resistance. It is derived from phthalaldehyde, a compound that can polymerize to form this high-performance material. PPA has been studied for various applications, including in the production of engineering plastics and coatings, as well as composite materials. Its advantages include a high glass transition temperature and the ability to maintain mechanical strength at elevated temperatures.
Polymeric surface
A polymeric surface refers to a surface that is composed of or coated with polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating structural units known as monomers. Polymers can be natural (like rubber and cellulose) or synthetic (like plastics such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride).
Polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) is a process that occurs during the polymerization of certain materials, leading to the formation of distinct phases within a polymeric system. This phenomenon is commonly observed in blends of monomers or in systems where a polymer is formed from a mixture of different reactive species.
Reactive compatibilization
Reactive compatibilization is a process used in materials science and polymer engineering to improve the compatibility of different polymer phases or components within a blend or composite. This is particularly important when dealing with polymers that have poor mutual solubility or significantly different properties, as incompatibility can lead to phase separation, poor mechanical properties, and reduced performance of the final material.
Reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a type of controlled radical polymerization technique that allows for the regulation of polymer growth and the control of molecular weight, polydispersity, and architectures of the resulting polymers. This method addresses some of the challenges associated with traditional radical polymerization, such as the uncontrolled growth of polymer chains and the wide distribution of molecular weights.
Seasoning (cookware)
Seasoning is a process used primarily with cast iron and carbon steel cookware to create a non-stick surface and to protect the metal from rusting. The process involves coating the surface of the cookware with a layer of oil and then heating it to a high temperature. This causes the oil to polymerize, forming a hard, protective layer on the cookware.
Sequence analysis of synthetic polymers refers to the study of the arrangement and sequence of monomer units within a polymer chain. This concept is particularly important in the context of synthetic polymers, where understanding the sequence can provide insights into the material's properties, behavior, and potential applications. ### Key Components of Sequence Analysis: 1. **Monomer Sequence**: - Synthetic polymers are composed of repeat units (monomers).
Smart polymer
Smart polymers, also known as responsive or stimuli-responsive polymers, are a class of polymers that can undergo significant changes in their properties or behavior in response to external stimuli. These stimuli can be physical, chemical, or biological in nature and can include factors such as temperature, pH, light, electric or magnetic fields, and chemical substances. The key characteristics of smart polymers include: 1. **Stimuli Responsiveness**: They can change their physical state or chemical properties when exposed to specific external conditions.
Telomerization
Telomerization is a chemical process in which small molecules, often containing functional groups such as alkenes, are reacted with a telogen (a compound that can undergo reversible polymerization) to form longer-chain polymers known as telomers. The process typically involves the addition of a telogen to a growing chain of a monomer through a mechanism that resembles chain growth polymerization.
Linear function (calculus)
A linear function is a type of mathematical function that represents a straight line when graphed on a coordinate plane. In calculus, as well as in algebra, linear functions are defined by the equation of the form: \[ f(x) = mx + b \] Here: - \( f(x) \) is the value of the function at \( x \). - \( m \) is the slope of the line, which indicates how steep the line is.
Quadratic function
A quadratic function is a type of polynomial function of the form: \[ f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \] where: - \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants (with \( a \neq 0 \)), - \( x \) is the variable, - \( a \) determines the direction of the parabola (if \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards; if \( a < 0 \), it