Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Single Polymer Chains

Since the invention of atomic force microscopy (AFM), researchers have been able to study statistical mechanical properties individual polymer chains by using a technique known as single molecule spectroscopy (SMFS), which stretches chain attaching one end substrate and other AFM tip. SMFS is used obtain static information about chains, mainly through quasistatic stretching process. With technological developments in recent years, dynamic measurements under nonequilibrium conditions also realized. The viscoelasticity can be measured, will benefit our understanding polymeric materials.