title: Strain-dependent localization, microscopic deformations, and macroscopic normal tensions in model polymer networks.
abstract: We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the microscopic and macroscopic response of model polymer networks to uniaxial elongations. By studying networks with strand lengths ranging from N(s)=20 to 200 we cover the full crossover from cross-link to entanglement dominated behavior. Our results support a recent version of the tube model which accounts for the different strain dependence of chain localization due to chemical cross-links and entanglements.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Postfach 3148, D-55021 Mainz, Germany. zqex@mpipks-dresden.mpg.de
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Svaneborg
authors.forename: Gary S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Grest
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Everaers
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013500:Surface Tension
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers