Ultrahigh Stretchability of Organogel Networks: Fiber Evolution and the "Fishing Net Model"

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Stretchable gels are crucial for flexible electronics and wearable devices.
• Understanding microstructural evolution during extreme stretching is vital for material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically observe and elucidate the microstructural evolution of a methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based organogel during ultrahigh uniaxial stretching.
• To propose a theoretical model explaining energy dissipation mechanisms in highly stretchable gels.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an MMA-based organogel using POSS-G1-BOC as a gelator.
• Ultrahigh uniaxial tensile deformation up to 800% assisted by 3M VHB tape.
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).

Main Results:

• Observed six regular microstructural evolutionary behaviors during stretching, including fiber diameter decrease, spacing reduction, and orientation.
• Documented fiber fusion with defects at 900% stretching and stretch-induced growth of crystalline dots.
• Proposed a
• Fishing Net model
• proposed to explain uniform energy dissipation, driven by dynamic hydrogen bond breakage and recombination in POSS-G1-BOC molecules.
• Solvent polarity was found to regulate fiber formation and tensile performance, clarified by comparison with a liquid crystal gel system.

Conclusions:

• The study provides direct experimental evidence and a theoretical framework for understanding gel microstructural changes under ultrahigh stretching.
• This research guides the rational design and development of next-generation stretchable materials for advanced applications.
• The findings are crucial for advancing flexible electronics, wearable devices, and other stretchable material technologies.