Zeronia
14-11-2003, 05:08
Studies in Organic Chemistry: Properties of X-Polymer (alpha-polyzeroline)
Published in the Zeronian Journal of Science, March, 2001.
Dr. Dexter P. Garson, BSc, MSc, DSc, PhD, DEChem (Organic/Polymer Chemistry)
Dr. Sandra Felimoskov, BSc, PhD, DEChem (Theoretical Chemical Physics)
Dr. Meyer Glitzkopff, BSc, DSc, PhD (Physical-organic/Bio-organic Chemistry)
Dr. Kobi B. Zall, BSc, PhD (Particle Physics, Condensed Matter Physics)
(Edited by the Ministry of Communication)
http://www.angelfire.com/alt/zeronia/images/polymer.JPG
A computer rendition of a section of alpha-polyzeroline.
Background
The creation of a material that can be manipulated to express chosen properties is not a new concept. The idea behind alpha-polyzeroline is that a single material can be adapted to produce very different properties from the original substance. Essentially, alpha-polyzeroline is a pure substance that can be modified during polymerization and even in a terminal reaction. alpha-polyzeroline alone has no particular properties of interest. However, with the correct cross-linking agents and favourable conditions alpha-polyzeroline can be metamorphosed into a new material with entirely different properties.
The Zeronian government began rigorous, classified research in organic chemistry during the early 1980s. One of the many projects funded by the government was the synthesis of a material, chiefly a polymer, which could be used as an armament in military exercises. Deep studies in the polycarbonate Lexan and the aramid Kevlar, proved useful in developing Zeronia’s own high-impact plastics. In one experiment, headed by Dr. Dexter P. Garson, a very light, malleable polymer formed in a particular polymerization reaction. It showed modest properties: relatively low melting point (107 degrees Centigrade), and showed low tensile strength (13 N/mm2). The expected material should have theoretically been much more resilient.
The material, named alpha-polyzeroline, was sent to ZedLabs in Southwestern Zeronia for further testing. The researchers were in the dark, and thus, many of the tests were comprised of X-ray crystallography and observations of the polymer in basic reaction mixtures. The polymer showed virtually no reactivity with extraneous reactants in the final form, or during the polymerization process. However, a select few compounds did invoke a reaction with the polymer. Cross-linking had occurred during the polymerization process. The results were surprising. Normally, cross-linking leads to a less elastic, but more durable polymer. The results varied greatly with the reagent used. In some cases, the resultant material had an even lower melting point, while in other cases the material had become very strong.
The material was immediately brought into the custody of our team to investigate this further. A specialized reaction vessel built by the University of Nittles Head Professor of Chemistry, Dr. James Welcor (BSc, DSc, Physical Chemistry) was used to react the polymer with heterogeneous mixtures and solid materials. With the reaction of metals and metal alloys, the material became much stronger. In some cases, the material became stronger than Kevlar. The cross-linking of certain other organic and inorganic compounds produced other unusual properties.
The polymer, commonly called X-Polymer, is showing great promise in strength and thermal resistance tests. The ability for chemical engineers to mix and match cross-linking agents has, in fact, led to the discovery of a new family of compounds. The mechanism of variance in the properties of alpha-polyzeroline is still not understood. Why alpha-polyzeroline is so selective of cross-linking agents is also yet to be understood. Our research has found eight reagents that can be actively cross-linked with alpha-polyzeroline to form new polymers, and three more reagents are still being tested.
Properties
[other properties and notes have been witheld by the Ministry of Communication until further notice]
alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: yellow, opaque semisolid
melting point: 107.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 193.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: 1084.4 g/mol
tensile strength: 13.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 52%
stability: stable
reactivity: will react spontaneously in a strongly exothermic reaction with an X3 salt
(X1)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: yellow, opaque semi-solid
melting point: 81.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 190.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 9.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 1060%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X2)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: olive green, opaque solid
melting point: 359.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 912.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 34.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 630%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X3)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: black, opaque solid
melting point: 742.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 1263.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 86.5 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 95%
stability: stable
reactivity: will react with a strong oxidizer
additional notes: semi-conductive
(X4)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: white, opaque solid
melting point: 241.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 502.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 32.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 200%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
additional notes: expands at low temperatures and contracts at high temperatures
(X5)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: white, opaque solid
melting point: 203.5 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 492.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 43.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 52%
stability: stable
reactivity: reacts only with strong reducing agents
(X6)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: black, opaque semi-solid
melting point: 130.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 1021.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 25.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 302%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X7)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: green, opaque solid
melting point: 502.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 812.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 104.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 1742%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X8 )-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: yellow, translucent solid
melting point: 701.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 1052.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 38.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 10%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
Additional Information
alpha-polyzeroline
By itself, alpha-polyzeroline (X-Polymer) has few, if any, possible practical uses. It is in a semi-solid gelatin form once synthesized. It is thermoplastic, which means that when heated, it can be melted, reshaped, and hardened again. This compound is non-toxic when handled, but when heated past the melting point, some toxic fumes can be present.
(X1)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X1)-alpha-polyzeroline (X1-Polymer) is not much different in texture or colour. In fact, both X1-Polymer and X-Polymer look identical. X1-Polymer is less stronger, however, it can stretch 10-fold. It is classified as a rubber. X1-Polymer is also considered thermoplastic. Due to its inertness (unreactivity) and elasticity, it can be used for a variety of civilian and military uses. Tests show that samples of X1-Polymer thicker than 0.003 mm can effectively block any chemical spills.
(X2)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X2)-alpha-polyzeroline (X2-Polymer) is much stronger than the average plastic. X2-Polymer, however, is thermoset, which means that you cannot melt it and reshape it. As a consequence, we must modify our reaction vessels to be able to mould X2-Polymer during the cross-linking process. X2-Polymer also shows high elasticity, which, combined with its strength, has been proposed for some safety mechanisms, such as automobile bumpers.
(X3)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X3)-alpha-polyzeroline (X3-Polymer) shows some of the greatest promise. It is semi-conductive as a result of the X3 reagent used in cross-linking. X3-Polymer is thermoplastic. It is incredibly strong, and has potential for military and non-military armour. It is also possible that it could be used for building parts of spacecraft. It's semi-conductive property has arisen proposals that it be used in computer chips or other electronic equipment.
(X4)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X4)-alpha-polyzeroline (X4-Polymer) is unique, in that is expands at low temperatures and contracts at high temperatures. X4-Polymer is unfortunately thermoset. Elongation at room temperature is approximately 200%, but at extremely low temperatures (less than -180 degrees Centigrade) it doubles its original size. Currently, the only practical use for this property would be in the fluctuating cold and heat of space. One researcher suggested that X4-Polymer could be used for hull repair on future spacecraft.
(X5)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X5)-alpha-polyzeroline (X5-Polymer) shows little elasticity, but it is much stronger than the average plastic. It is also thermoset. At this point, we have no unique uses for X5-Polymer.
(X6)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X6)-alpha-polyzeroline (X6-Polymer) is has two interesting features in normal temperature ranges. It is unreactive, and it has an extremely high boiling point. X6-Polymer is thermoplastic. We are unsure of its uses, but X6-Polymer is showing promise in zero gravity, high-low pressure tests. It seems that in conditions of extremely low temperatures (when X6-Polymer is in the solid state) and extremely high temperatures (in the liquid state), the tensile strength and elasticity (respectively) of X6-Polymer increase almost exponentially. In the solid state, you get a very strong material. In the liquid state, you get a nearly inseperable liquid mass. Our teams have found this very intriguing.
(X7)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X7)-alpha-polyzeroline (X7-Polymer) shows unbelievable elasticity. Elasticity increases with temperature, but it does not decrease very much below temperatures of -40 degrees Centigrade. The range of ultimate elongation in X7-Polymer is roughly 1400% to 2350%, measured from -100 degrees Centigrade to just below the melting point at 500 degrees Centigrade. X7-Polymer is thermoplastic. It is also very, very strong. Increased elasticity and increased strength is a strange combination to work with. Imagine using a slingshot with a standard elastic band, made out of X7-Polymer. You wouldn't be able to stretch it to it's maximum length, even if you pull the elastic as far back as possible. Using another analogy, imagine an elastic made of X7-Polymer that fits tightly around your big toe. You'd be able to stretch it up and over your body. The X7-Polymer species is not a material to be ignored.
(X8 )-alpha-polyzeroline
(X8 )-alpha-polyzeroline (X8-Polymer) has the least elasticity of all the known X-Polymer derivatives. It also isn't too strong, when compared to the others. It's also thermoset. However, it has one unique property: it's translucent. You can see through (although with a yellow tint) a sheet of X8-Polymer. Other polymers can be made to be transparent, but of the X-Polymer family, X8-Polymer is the only one that is naturally translucent. This opens the door to applications where glass and other plastics dominated. Also, since many of the X reagents can be mixed, it is possible to mix a proportion (say 5:1) of X8 reagent with another reagent to give a hybrid of properties. There is a lot of promise with X8-Polymer.
Published in the Zeronian Journal of Science, March, 2001.
Dr. Dexter P. Garson, BSc, MSc, DSc, PhD, DEChem (Organic/Polymer Chemistry)
Dr. Sandra Felimoskov, BSc, PhD, DEChem (Theoretical Chemical Physics)
Dr. Meyer Glitzkopff, BSc, DSc, PhD (Physical-organic/Bio-organic Chemistry)
Dr. Kobi B. Zall, BSc, PhD (Particle Physics, Condensed Matter Physics)
(Edited by the Ministry of Communication)
http://www.angelfire.com/alt/zeronia/images/polymer.JPG
A computer rendition of a section of alpha-polyzeroline.
Background
The creation of a material that can be manipulated to express chosen properties is not a new concept. The idea behind alpha-polyzeroline is that a single material can be adapted to produce very different properties from the original substance. Essentially, alpha-polyzeroline is a pure substance that can be modified during polymerization and even in a terminal reaction. alpha-polyzeroline alone has no particular properties of interest. However, with the correct cross-linking agents and favourable conditions alpha-polyzeroline can be metamorphosed into a new material with entirely different properties.
The Zeronian government began rigorous, classified research in organic chemistry during the early 1980s. One of the many projects funded by the government was the synthesis of a material, chiefly a polymer, which could be used as an armament in military exercises. Deep studies in the polycarbonate Lexan and the aramid Kevlar, proved useful in developing Zeronia’s own high-impact plastics. In one experiment, headed by Dr. Dexter P. Garson, a very light, malleable polymer formed in a particular polymerization reaction. It showed modest properties: relatively low melting point (107 degrees Centigrade), and showed low tensile strength (13 N/mm2). The expected material should have theoretically been much more resilient.
The material, named alpha-polyzeroline, was sent to ZedLabs in Southwestern Zeronia for further testing. The researchers were in the dark, and thus, many of the tests were comprised of X-ray crystallography and observations of the polymer in basic reaction mixtures. The polymer showed virtually no reactivity with extraneous reactants in the final form, or during the polymerization process. However, a select few compounds did invoke a reaction with the polymer. Cross-linking had occurred during the polymerization process. The results were surprising. Normally, cross-linking leads to a less elastic, but more durable polymer. The results varied greatly with the reagent used. In some cases, the resultant material had an even lower melting point, while in other cases the material had become very strong.
The material was immediately brought into the custody of our team to investigate this further. A specialized reaction vessel built by the University of Nittles Head Professor of Chemistry, Dr. James Welcor (BSc, DSc, Physical Chemistry) was used to react the polymer with heterogeneous mixtures and solid materials. With the reaction of metals and metal alloys, the material became much stronger. In some cases, the material became stronger than Kevlar. The cross-linking of certain other organic and inorganic compounds produced other unusual properties.
The polymer, commonly called X-Polymer, is showing great promise in strength and thermal resistance tests. The ability for chemical engineers to mix and match cross-linking agents has, in fact, led to the discovery of a new family of compounds. The mechanism of variance in the properties of alpha-polyzeroline is still not understood. Why alpha-polyzeroline is so selective of cross-linking agents is also yet to be understood. Our research has found eight reagents that can be actively cross-linked with alpha-polyzeroline to form new polymers, and three more reagents are still being tested.
Properties
[other properties and notes have been witheld by the Ministry of Communication until further notice]
alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: yellow, opaque semisolid
melting point: 107.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 193.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: 1084.4 g/mol
tensile strength: 13.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 52%
stability: stable
reactivity: will react spontaneously in a strongly exothermic reaction with an X3 salt
(X1)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: yellow, opaque semi-solid
melting point: 81.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 190.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 9.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 1060%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X2)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: olive green, opaque solid
melting point: 359.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 912.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 34.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 630%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X3)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: black, opaque solid
melting point: 742.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 1263.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 86.5 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 95%
stability: stable
reactivity: will react with a strong oxidizer
additional notes: semi-conductive
(X4)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: white, opaque solid
melting point: 241.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 502.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 32.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 200%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
additional notes: expands at low temperatures and contracts at high temperatures
(X5)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: white, opaque solid
melting point: 203.5 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 492.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 43.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 52%
stability: stable
reactivity: reacts only with strong reducing agents
(X6)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: black, opaque semi-solid
melting point: 130.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 1021.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 25.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 302%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X7)-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: green, opaque solid
melting point: 502.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 812.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 104.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 1742%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
(X8 )-alpha-polyzeroline
appearance: yellow, translucent solid
melting point: 701.0 degrees Centigrade
boiling point: 1052.0 degrees Centigrade
monomer molecular weight: XX
tensile strength: 38.0 N/mm2
ultimate elongation: 10%
stability: stable
reactivity: chemically unreactive
Additional Information
alpha-polyzeroline
By itself, alpha-polyzeroline (X-Polymer) has few, if any, possible practical uses. It is in a semi-solid gelatin form once synthesized. It is thermoplastic, which means that when heated, it can be melted, reshaped, and hardened again. This compound is non-toxic when handled, but when heated past the melting point, some toxic fumes can be present.
(X1)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X1)-alpha-polyzeroline (X1-Polymer) is not much different in texture or colour. In fact, both X1-Polymer and X-Polymer look identical. X1-Polymer is less stronger, however, it can stretch 10-fold. It is classified as a rubber. X1-Polymer is also considered thermoplastic. Due to its inertness (unreactivity) and elasticity, it can be used for a variety of civilian and military uses. Tests show that samples of X1-Polymer thicker than 0.003 mm can effectively block any chemical spills.
(X2)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X2)-alpha-polyzeroline (X2-Polymer) is much stronger than the average plastic. X2-Polymer, however, is thermoset, which means that you cannot melt it and reshape it. As a consequence, we must modify our reaction vessels to be able to mould X2-Polymer during the cross-linking process. X2-Polymer also shows high elasticity, which, combined with its strength, has been proposed for some safety mechanisms, such as automobile bumpers.
(X3)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X3)-alpha-polyzeroline (X3-Polymer) shows some of the greatest promise. It is semi-conductive as a result of the X3 reagent used in cross-linking. X3-Polymer is thermoplastic. It is incredibly strong, and has potential for military and non-military armour. It is also possible that it could be used for building parts of spacecraft. It's semi-conductive property has arisen proposals that it be used in computer chips or other electronic equipment.
(X4)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X4)-alpha-polyzeroline (X4-Polymer) is unique, in that is expands at low temperatures and contracts at high temperatures. X4-Polymer is unfortunately thermoset. Elongation at room temperature is approximately 200%, but at extremely low temperatures (less than -180 degrees Centigrade) it doubles its original size. Currently, the only practical use for this property would be in the fluctuating cold and heat of space. One researcher suggested that X4-Polymer could be used for hull repair on future spacecraft.
(X5)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X5)-alpha-polyzeroline (X5-Polymer) shows little elasticity, but it is much stronger than the average plastic. It is also thermoset. At this point, we have no unique uses for X5-Polymer.
(X6)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X6)-alpha-polyzeroline (X6-Polymer) is has two interesting features in normal temperature ranges. It is unreactive, and it has an extremely high boiling point. X6-Polymer is thermoplastic. We are unsure of its uses, but X6-Polymer is showing promise in zero gravity, high-low pressure tests. It seems that in conditions of extremely low temperatures (when X6-Polymer is in the solid state) and extremely high temperatures (in the liquid state), the tensile strength and elasticity (respectively) of X6-Polymer increase almost exponentially. In the solid state, you get a very strong material. In the liquid state, you get a nearly inseperable liquid mass. Our teams have found this very intriguing.
(X7)-alpha-polyzeroline
(X7)-alpha-polyzeroline (X7-Polymer) shows unbelievable elasticity. Elasticity increases with temperature, but it does not decrease very much below temperatures of -40 degrees Centigrade. The range of ultimate elongation in X7-Polymer is roughly 1400% to 2350%, measured from -100 degrees Centigrade to just below the melting point at 500 degrees Centigrade. X7-Polymer is thermoplastic. It is also very, very strong. Increased elasticity and increased strength is a strange combination to work with. Imagine using a slingshot with a standard elastic band, made out of X7-Polymer. You wouldn't be able to stretch it to it's maximum length, even if you pull the elastic as far back as possible. Using another analogy, imagine an elastic made of X7-Polymer that fits tightly around your big toe. You'd be able to stretch it up and over your body. The X7-Polymer species is not a material to be ignored.
(X8 )-alpha-polyzeroline
(X8 )-alpha-polyzeroline (X8-Polymer) has the least elasticity of all the known X-Polymer derivatives. It also isn't too strong, when compared to the others. It's also thermoset. However, it has one unique property: it's translucent. You can see through (although with a yellow tint) a sheet of X8-Polymer. Other polymers can be made to be transparent, but of the X-Polymer family, X8-Polymer is the only one that is naturally translucent. This opens the door to applications where glass and other plastics dominated. Also, since many of the X reagents can be mixed, it is possible to mix a proportion (say 5:1) of X8 reagent with another reagent to give a hybrid of properties. There is a lot of promise with X8-Polymer.