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Inverse mechanical-swelling coupling of a highly deformed double-network gel
Chika Imaoka1, Tasuku Nakajima2,3, Tsutomu Indei2
1Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Science Advances
|May 10, 2023
Summary
Highly extended double-network (DN) hydrogels show unusual inverse mechanical-swelling coupling, including extension-induced deswelling and drying-induced softening. This behavior stems from the extreme nonlinear elasticity of the first network near its ultimate deformation limit.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Mechanics of Materials
Background:
- Mechanical behaviors and swelling are coupled in polymer gels.
- Normal mechanical-swelling coupling involves extension-induced swelling and drying-induced stiffening in typical hydrogels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the mechanical-swelling coupling in highly extended double-network (DN) hydrogels.
- To develop theoretical models that accurately describe the observed abnormal coupling behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Experimental characterization of mechanical and swelling behaviors of DN hydrogels under high extension.
- Development of theoretical hyperelastic and swelling models to capture complex trends.
Main Results:
- Discovery of inverse mechanical-swelling coupling in highly extended DN hydrogels: extension-induced deswelling and drying-induced softening.
- Theoretical models successfully reproduced the complex mechanical and swelling behaviors of deformed DN hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- The inverse mechanical-swelling coupling in DN gels is attributed to the extreme nonlinear elasticity of the first network at its ultimate deformation.
- Findings advance the understanding of rubber-like material mechanics up to their limits of deformation and fracture.
