Micromechanics of near-ideal polymer networks

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• Dr Laurence.Brassart, Department of Engineering Science, Oxford
• Friday 27 November 2020, 14:00-15:00
• zoom 853 4440 7455 - for password email hh463@cam.ac.uk .

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Understanding the relationships between the structure of polymer networks and their mechanical properties remains a long-standing challenge in polymer physics. In recent years, a new paradigm for network formation has emerged, whereby near-ideal hydrogels are produced by the cross-coupling of branched macromolecules with well-defined chain length. Such near-ideal networks constitute an excellent model system to revisit this question, as well as a promising platform for the design of new materials with tuneable properties. In this work, we systematically investigate the relative contributions of various network parameters (chain length, crosslink coordination, second-order loops) to the elasticity of near-ideal polymer networks using a computational random network model. Numerical results are compared to classical estimates of rubber elasticity theory. Our results highlight the role of the chain pre-stretch on the mechanical response, as well as the importance of topological defects on the elastic properties. We also compare our results to experimental data for near-ideal tetra-arm PEG hydrogels.

This talk is part of the Engineering - Mechanics and Materials Seminar Series series.

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• zoom 853 4440 7455 - for password email hh463@cam.ac.uk

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