"Polymer chains" refers to long and repeating units of molecules that are linked together. These chains create a larger structure, like a necklace made up of many beads. Full definition
That same alignment also exists in conventional plastic fibers, such as those made from nylon, where the individual polymer chains in the plastic line up along the length of the fiber. (sciencemag.org)
The technique introduces nanoparticles into the spaces between polymer chains, which gives scientists tight control over the size and distribution of the particles. (sciencemag.org)
Linking experimental and theoretical methods led to insights into the spatial structures of individual polymer chains which would have been impossible using traditional imaging techniques. (sciencedaily.com)