A Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Study of Damage Localization During the Fracture of Double Polymer Networks

Explore a coarse-grained molecular dynamics study on damage localization during the fracture of double polymer networks in this 14-minute conference talk. Delve into the molecular-scale mechanisms behind the increased toughness of double networks (DNs), focusing on the interplay between load sharing and damage localization in interpenetrated networks. Examine the two-stage damage propagation process in DNs, comparing it to single networks (SNs). Discover how the matrix in DNs stabilizes damaged regions, delaying macroscopic fracture. Investigate the anisotropic stress response to single bond breaking events and understand the load sharing and dissipation mechanisms in the matrix network. Gain insights into the engineering of tough hydrogels and elastomers through network architecture tuning, and learn about the current challenges in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the increased fracture energy of double networks.