Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

11:17
Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
Published on: January 19, 2016
[Relaxation of an elastomeric chain under constant elongation]
Summary
This study investigated elastomeric chains, finding significant force relaxation within 24 hours. Pre-elongation reduced force decrease but increased residual force magnitude in orthodontic chains.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontic materials science
- Biomaterials engineering
Context:
- Elastomeric chains are crucial in orthodontics for applying continuous force.
- Understanding material behavior under physiological conditions (37°C saline) is vital for treatment efficacy.
- Power Chain II (Ormco Co) was selected for its common use in orthodontic applications.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the force degradation and relaxation characteristics of a specific elastomeric chain (Power Chain II) under various conditions.
- To compare the effects of pre-elongation and chain length (3 or 4 links) on force decay over one month.
- To quantify the initial force, and force at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month.
Summary:
- All tested elastomeric chains exhibited substantial force relaxation, averaging 52.85% after 24 hours.
- Pre-elongated chains showed a lower decrease in residual force compared to non-pre-elongated chains.
- However, non-pre-elongated chains retained a larger overall residual force magnitude at the study's end.
Impact:
- Findings provide critical data for orthodontists selecting and applying elastomeric chains, influencing treatment planning and patient outcomes.
- This research contributes to the understanding of long-term force stability in orthodontic appliances.
- Highlights the trade-off between reduced force decay and retained force magnitude based on pre-elongation.
Related Concept Videos
Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of an object to withstand the effects of distortion and to return to its original size and shape once the forces causing deformation are removed. When an elastic material deforms under the action of an external force, it experiences internal resistance to the deformation. However, if no external force is applied, it returns to its original state.
The elasticity of an object can be described by a stress-strain curve, which represents the relationship between stress...
The elasticity of an object can be described by a stress-strain curve, which represents the relationship between stress...
Plastic Behavior
A material's elastic behavior is characterized by the disappearance of stress once the load is removed, allowing the material to return to its original state. However, when stress surpasses the yield point, yielding commences, marking the onset of plastic deformation or permanent set. This change from elastic to plastic behavior is influenced by the peak stress value and the duration before the load is removed. An intriguing observation occurs when a specimen is loaded, unloaded, and reloaded.
Circular Shafts - Elastoplastic Materials
The study of solid circular shafts under stress shows that within the elastic limit, stress increases directly to the distance from the shaft's center. This relationship holds until the shaft reaches a critical point of stress, beyond which it begins to yield, marking the transition from elastic to plastic deformation. At this crucial juncture, the maximum torque the shaft can endure without permanent deformation is determined, signifying the limit of its elastic behavior.
As torque on the...
As torque on the...
Members Made of Elastoplastic Material
The behavior of elastoplastic materials under bending stresses, particularly in structural members with rectangular cross-sections, is crucial for predicting material responses and understanding failure modes. Initially, when a bending moment is applied, the stress distribution across the section follows Hooke's Law and is linear and elastic. This distribution means the stress increases from the neutral axis to the maximum at the outer fibers, up to the elastic limit.
As the bending moment...
As the bending moment...
Residual Stresses in Bending
In the study of elastoplastic members subjected to bending moments, understanding the loading and unloading phases is crucial for assessing material behavior and structural integrity. During the loading phase, as the bending moment increases, the material initially responds elastically, adhering to Hooke's Law, where stress is directly proportional to strain. When the load exceeds the yield strength, plastic deformation occurs, resulting in permanent strain and deformation that remains even...
Strain Energy
Strain energy is a fundamental concept in the field of materials science and structural engineering, describing the energy absorbed by a material or structure when it is deformed under load.
Consider a rod that is fixed at one end and subjected to an axial force at the free end. This axial force induces stress within the rod, leading to its elongation. As the axial force increases, so does the elongation of the rod, illustrating a direct relationship between the force applied and the resulting...
Consider a rod that is fixed at one end and subjected to an axial force at the free end. This axial force induces stress within the rod, leading to its elongation. As the axial force increases, so does the elongation of the rod, illustrating a direct relationship between the force applied and the resulting...

