Metamaterials in ultra-strain hydrogels
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The inherent potential of macromolecular chains to transit from a random coil conformation to full extension remains largely unexplored in condensed-matter physics due to the constraints imposed by molecular entanglements and overlapping interactions. In this study, we present a novel approach to facilitate this transition by designing an ideal network architecture composed of polymer network segments linked to linear chains. This hypothetical structural design minimizes molecular interference by chains entanglement of neighboring molecules to great extent, enabling macromolecules to reach their maximum elongation potential before common premature breakage. Chains ability to form rod shape and avoid exclusion volume overlapping may give rise to new phenomena that under extreme extension, energy levels disruption, lead to frustration and quasi-particle or electron accumulation, a quantum behavior that generates coherence in soft materials such as hydrogels. This interplay between molecular orientation and coherence generate metamaterials with unconventional properties. To show above molecular architectural design potential, we established a predictive model based on polyethylene oxide (PEO). Theoretical force require to stretch one chain based on conformational entropy and exclusion volume calculated and compared to the tensile stress at break of 0.27 N for the highest reported extensibility. One chain proposed idea, in extreme extension, revealed deviation of 11 and 10 times with force exerted on one chain and number of chains involved in ultimate extension, respectively. A mathematical expression derived for wave function preservation, in absence of environmental effect, while superposition extends in time and position. Partition coefficient theory and Schrodinger’s equation in extensional mode revealed energy level has direct relation with quasi-pressure and inversely with the number of electrons. This framework provides key insights into the tensile strength and molecular configurations required to achieve extreme extension.
Source: Results in Physics
Institutions: Amirkabir University of Technology, Politecnico di Torino
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,920
OpenAlex ID: W7083294776