Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Second-Generation Dendronized Wedge-Type Polymer*

The dynamic mechanical behavior of second-generation dendronized wedge-type polymer synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization have been measured. By applying time-temperature superposition (TTS) principle, the master curve was constructed over the frequencies ranging from terminal regime to glassy regime. An extremely low glassy modulus of 100 MPa is observed which may be due to the bulky densely placed side groups in the structure. Upon further investigation, the apparent extremely low rubbery plateau of approximately 16 kPa in the dynamic response and Van Gurp-Palmen plot is found to be related to the steady state recoverable compliance. Absolute heat capacity measurements showed large heat capacity (C_P) in the glassy regime and a small ΔC_P of 0.076 J/(gK) at the glass transition, which indicates a high degree of freedom in the glassy state.