scholarly journals Effect of Topological Defects on the Elasticity of Near-Ideal Polymer Networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghadeer Alamé ◽  
Laurence Brassart

Abstract In recent years, new types of polymer gels have emerged, which have a well-controlled network structure and few topological defects. These so-called near-ideal polymer networks constitute a good model system to revisit the long-standing problem of structure–property relationships in polymer networks, as well as a promising platform for the development of polymer gels with outstanding mechanical properties. In this study, we investigate the relative contributions of network defects (dangling chains and second-order loops) on the stress–stretch response of near-ideal polymer networks using a computational discrete network model. We identify the average chain prestretch as a key parameter to capture the effect of network topology on the elastic modulus and maximum extensibility. Proper account of the chain prestretch further leads to scaling relations for the elastic properties in terms of topology parameters that differ from classical estimates of rubber elasticity theory. Stress–stretch curves calculated using the discrete network model are also compared to semi-analytical estimates.

Gels ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Nisal Wanasingha ◽  
Pramod Dorishetty ◽  
Naba K. Dutta ◽  
Namita Roy Choudhury

Polyelectrolyte gels are an important class of polymer gels and a versatile platform with charged polymer networks with ionisable groups. They have drawn significant recent attention as a class of smart material and have demonstrated potential for a variety of applications. This review begins with the fundamentals of polyelectrolyte gels, which encompass various classifications (i.e., origin, charge, shape) and crucial aspects (ionic conductivity and stimuli responsiveness). It further centralises recent developments of polyelectrolyte gels, emphasising their synthesis, structure–property relationships and responsive properties. Sequentially, this review demonstrates how polyelectrolyte gels’ flourishing properties create attractiveness to a range of applications including tissue engineering, drug delivery, actuators and bioelectronics. Finally, the review outlines the indisputable appeal, further improvements and emerging trends in polyelectrolyte gels.


2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Yu. Kramarenko ◽  
Ingo Alig ◽  
Valery P. Privalko ◽  
Valery V. Korskanov ◽  
Vassyl S. Hetmantsev ◽  
...  

Polymer ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 4699-4707 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.J Balta Calleja ◽  
E.G Privalko ◽  
D.I Sukhorukov ◽  
A.M Fainleib ◽  
L.M Sergeeva ◽  
...  

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