Low‐frequency Raman scattering and structure of amorphous polymers: Stretching effect

Network Formation and Physical Properties of Epoxy Resins for Future Practical Applications

Epoxy resins are used in various fields in a wide range of applications such as coatings, adhesives, modeling compounds, impregnation materials, high-performance composites, insulating materials, and encapsulating and packaging materials for electronic devices. To achieve the desired properties, it is necessary to obtain a better understanding of how the network formation and physical state change involved in the curing reaction affect the resultant network architecture and physical properties. However, this is not necessarily easy because of their infusibility at higher temperatures and insolubility in organic solvents. In this paper, we summarize the knowledge related to these issues which has been gathered using various experimental techniques in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations. This should provide useful ideas for researchers who aim to design and construct various thermosetting polymer systems including currently popular materials such as vitrimers over epoxy resins.

Ultralow frequency Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy of single living cells and microparticles using a hot rubidium vapor filter

We report on ultralow frequency Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy of single living cells and microsized particles in an aqueous medium with a frequency shift down to 10 cm(-1) by the combination of a hot rubidium (Rb) vapor filter, a confocal pinhole, and optical trapping. A single frequency-stabilized diode laser beam at 780.2 nm is used to optically trap and excite a single living cell or microparticle, and the Rayleigh scattering light from the particle is effectively blocked with a Rb vapor cell and a confocal pinhole. Ultralow frequency Raman spectra of the trapped cells or microparticles in both Stokes and anti-Stokes regions are then measured with a single-stage CCD spectrograph.

Constitutive model for plasticity in an amorphous polycarbonate

A constitutive model for describing the mechanical response of an amorphous glassy polycarbonate is proposed. The model is based on an isotropic elastic phase surrounded by an SO(3) continuum of plastic phases onto which the elastic phase can collapse under strain. An approximate relaxed energy is developed for this model on the basis of physical considerations and extensive numerical testing, and it is shown that it corresponds to an ideal elastic-plastic behavior. Kinetic effects are introduced as rate-independent viscoplasticity, and a comparison with experimental data is presented, showing that the proposed model is able to capture the main features of the plastic behavior of amophous glassy polycarbonate.