Entanglement

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003945",
  "term": "Entanglement",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The topological interpenetration and intertwining of polymer chains in a concentrated solution or melt, resembling a macroscopic knotting. These physical constraints restrict the movement of individual chains, leading to viscoelastic behavior and increased viscosity. The entanglement molecular weight, M_e, is a characteristic property of a polymer that defines the average molar mass between entanglement points.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "concentrated solution",
    "semi-dilute solution"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2015, 87, 71. 'Definitions of terms relating to individual macromolecules, macromolecular assemblies, polymer solutions, and amorphous bulk polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2014)' on page 90 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2013-0201)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/entanglement/"
}