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Micromechanics and damage in slide-ring networks
Samuel C Lamont1, Kyle Weishaar1, Carson J Bruns1
1Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.
Physical Review. E
|May 18, 2023
Summary
This study models slide-ring gels, revealing damage mechanisms depend on loading rate. Faster rates cause chain scission, while slower rates damage crosslinked rings, suggesting enhanced ring strength improves material toughness.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Computational Mechanics
Background:
- Slide-ring gels are advanced polymer networks with unique mechanical properties.
- Understanding their deformation and failure mechanisms is crucial for material design.
- Existing models often simplify the complex interplay of chain sliding and crosslink dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a discrete model for slide-ring gel mechanics and damage.
- To investigate the influence of loading rate, segment distribution, and ring inclusion ratio on failure modes.
- To identify strategies for enhancing material toughness.
Main Methods:
- Developed an extendable Langevin chain model for polymer chains under large deformation.
- Incorporated rupture criteria for both polymer chains and crosslinked rings.
- Simulated various loading conditions and material compositions.
Main Results:
- Damage mode is dependent on loading rate, segment distribution, and ring inclusion ratio.
- At slow loading rates, failure is dominated by crosslinked ring damage.
- At fast loading rates, polymer chain scission is the primary failure mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The developed model accurately captures slide-ring gel mechanics and damage.
- Increasing the strength of crosslinked rings can enhance overall material toughness.
- Findings provide insights into optimizing slide-ring gel performance for specific applications.
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