Polymer Networks

Abstract Gels are comprised of polymer networks swelled by some interstitial solvent. They are under wide investigation by material scientists and engineers for their broad applicability in fields ranging from adhesives to tissue engineering. Gels’ mechanical properties greatly influence their efficacy in such applications and are largely dictated by their...

Brief Description In this work, we develop a statistical theory of damage for transient networks that can directly bridge the molecular mechanisms and macroscopic response. The final model being able to capture the evolution of rate-dependent and anisotropic damage in transient networks. Abstract Dynamic polymer networks utilize weak bonding interactions...