title: Stepwise elastic behavior in a model elastomer.
abstract: Monte Carlo simulations of an entanglement-free cross-linked polymer network of semiflexible chains reveal a peculiar stepwise elastic response. For increasing stress, step jumps in strain are observed that do not correlate with changes in the number of aligned chains. We show that this unusual behavior stems from the ability of the system to form multiple ordered chain domains that exclude the cross-linking species. This novel elastomer shows a toughening behavior similar to that observed in biological structural materials, such as muscle proteins and abalone shell adhesive.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
authors.forename: Dhananjay M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bhawe
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Fernando A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Escobedo
mesh_terms: D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D004548:Elasticity; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020724:Elastomers