Tube model

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-012338",
  "term": "Tube model",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A theoretical framework used to describe the dynamics of entangled polymer chains in a melt or concentrated solution. It conceptualizes a polymer chain as confined within a virtual tube formed by its surrounding chains, which restricts its lateral motion. The chain can only move along the contour of this tube, a process known as reptation.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "reptation",
    "tube renewal"
  ],
  "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 105 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2013-0201)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/tube-model/"
}