Transient response of nonlinear polymer networks: A kinetic theory.

ABSTRACT: Dynamic networks are found in a majority of natural materials, but also in engineering materials, such as entangled polymers and physically cross-linked gels. Owing to their transient bond dynamics, these networks display a rich class of behaviors, from elasticity, rheology, self-healing, or growth. Although classical theories in rheology and mechanics have enabled us to characterize these materials, there is still a gap in our understanding on how individuals (i.e., the mechanics of each building blocks and its connection with others) affect the emerging response of the network. In this work, we introduce an alternative way to think about these networks from a statistical point of view. More specifically, a network is seen as a collection of individual polymer chains connected by weak bon

SUBMITTER: Vernerey FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6824477 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature