title: The role of structure in the nonlinear mechanics of cross-linked semiflexible polymer networks.
abstract: The microstructural basis of the characteristic nonlinear mechanics of biopolymer networks remains unclear. We present a 3D network model of realistic, cross-linked semiflexible fibers to study strain-stiffening and the effect of fiber volume-occupancy. We identify two structural parameters, namely, network connectivity and fiber entanglements, that fully govern the nonlinear response from small to large strains. The results also reveal distinct deformation mechanisms at different length scales and, in particular, the contributions of heterogeneity at short length scales.
authors.affiliation: NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Singapore 117456. nicholas@nus.edu.sg
authors.forename: Nicholas Agung
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Kurniawan
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Enemark
authors.forename: Raj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rajagopalan
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D033081:Shear Strength; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D011108:Polymers