Modeling of Entangled Network Chains and Linear Solvent Chains in a Single-Chain-Mean-Field Slip-Link Model

Abstract : Cross-linked polymer networks swollen with polymeric solvent have shown adaptive mechanical response. This frequency dependent response makes these gels desirable for applications such as tissue simulants for ballistic testing. This experimental observation is qualitatively modeled with the discrete slip-linkmodel (DSM). Two applications of the DSM are used. First, an ideal entangled network (IEN) is modeled. This network is stoichiometrically cross-linked and no dangling ends, soluble sub-structures, or solvent are present. Secondly, the DSM is applied to these ideal entangled networks with solvent chains. This application is a coupling of two architectures: (1) entangled network chains (ENC) and (2) entangled solvent chains (ESC). The experimental system modeled is a stoichiometrically cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) network in the presence of high-molecular weight PDMS linear solvent. The network relaxation and flow behavior is predicted.