Fracture of Model End-Linked Networks

ORAL

Abstract

Advances in polymer chemistry over the last decade have enabled the synthesis of well-defined networks that exhibit homogeneous structure. These well-defined polymer gels create the opportunity to assess and verify novel and existing molecular models of network elasticity and fracture. A novel theory of network fracture that accounts for loop defects by drawing on recent advances in network elasticity is proposed. This loop modified Lake-Thomas Theory is tested against both MD simulations and experimental fracture measurements on model gels. Good agreement between the theory and measurement is obtained. These findings enable a priori estimation of fracture energy in swollen gels where chain scission becomes an important failure mechanism.

*ONR grant number N00014-17-1-2056

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Presenters

  • Alfred J Crosby

    • Univ of Mass - Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Authors

  • Christopher Barney

    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts
    • Univ of Mass - Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Ziyu Ye

    • University of Pennsylvania

  • Ipek Sacligil

    • Univ of Mass - Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Gregory N Tew

    • Univ of Mass - Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Robert Riggleman

    • University of Pennsylvania
    • CBE, University of Pennsylvania

  • Alfred J Crosby

    • Univ of Mass - Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts
    • Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst