Stepwise elastic behavior in a model elastomer.

Dhananjay M Bhawe; Claude Cohen; Fernando A Escobedo

doi:10.1103/physrevlett.93.257804

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PubMed · 15697945

Stepwise elastic behavior in a model elastomer.

Dhananjay M Bhawe·Claude Cohen·Fernando A Escobedo

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Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations of an entanglement-free cross-linked polymer network of semiflexible chains reveal a peculiar stepwise elastic response. For increasing stress, step jumps in strain are observed that do not correlate with changes in the number of aligned chains. We show that this unusual behavior stems from the ability of the system to form multiple ordered chain domains that exclude the cross-linking species. This novel elastomer shows a toughening behavior similar to that observed in biological structural materials, such as muscle proteins and abalone shell adhesive.

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Biomimetic Materials Compressive Strength Computer Simulation Cross-Linking Reagents Elasticity Elastomers Models, Chemical Models, Molecular Molecular Conformation Stress, Mechanical Comparative Study Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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Dhananjay M Bhawe, Claude Cohen, Fernando A Escobedo. 2004-12-14. Stepwise elastic behavior in a model elastomer.. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.93.257804

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