Nonlinear mechanics of thermoreversibly associating dendrimer glasses.
We model the mechanics of associating trivalent dendrimer network glasses with a focus on their energy dissipation properties. Various combinations of sticky bond (SB) strength and kinetics are employed. The toughness (work to fracture) of these systems displays a surprising deformation-protocol dependence; different association parameters optimize different properties. In particular, "strong, slow" SBs optimize strength, while "weak, fast" SBs optimize ductility via self-healing during deformation. We relate these observations to breaking, reformation, and partner switching of SBs during deformation. These studies point the way to creating associating-polymer network glasses with tailorable mechanical properties.
Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA.
Arvind
A
Srikanth
Robert S
RS
Hoy
Berend C
BC
Rinderspacher
Jan W
JW
Andzelm