Fig. 4: Simulation Result for Diffusion Coefficient.
From: Direct printing of functional 3D objects using polymerization-induced phase separation
a Diffusion coefficient of a probe molecule in crosslinkers of different spacer lengths (L = 3, 6, and 9) before and after the formation of a polymer network. The inset shows the diffusion coefficient of the probe molecule (i.e., a molecule 3 beads long), representing silver neodecanoate as a function of the crosslinker spacer length in the formed network. Snapshots from the simulations of the probe molecule (green molecule) in a network formed with crosslinker (b) L = 3 and (c) L = 9. The red balls represent crosslinking points while the blue parts are the bridging segments of the crosslinker. The high density of crosslinking points of the L = 3 system creates a tight polymer network that impedes diffusion of the probe molecule. In comparison, the L = 9 system allows for less constrained diffusion of the probe molecule due to its lower density of crosslinking points and longer segments between crosslinking nodes.
