Term: physical network
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04665

Definition:
polymer network with junction points or zones formed by physically interacting chains which need not be permanent.

Notes:
0) The junction points or zones need not be permanent over the time scale of the observation or measurement.
1) The interaction can be due to hydrogen bonds, π–π interactions, chain entanglements, etc.
2) Modification of the entry given as a note within the definition of @N04112@.

Related Terms:
1) network in polymer chemistry (<em>in polymer chemistry</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.N04112).
2) polymer network (<em>in polymer chemistry</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04742).

Source: PAC, 2007, 79, 1801. 'Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)' on page 1815 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779101801)

Citation: 'physical network' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04665

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