Langmuir films of dendritic macromolecules: A materials science perspective

Constitutive equations were used to describe the mechanical response of bulk solids to the collapse of monolayers of poly(benzyl ether) monodendrons with di(ethylene glycol) tails. Creep and compression rate experiments were conducted to determine the constants of the constitutive law. The relation between stress, strain and temperature for a Langmuir film of monodendrons within the plastic flow regime was determined. The deformation mechanisms in the plastic flow region of the monolayer were found to be related to the formation of a bulk phase at the interface.