Breaking Down the Mechanics of Polymers: From Networks to Viscoelasticity

When designing polymers to achieve desired characteristics, such as toughness, elasticity, and resilience, you must not only consider the type of polymer, but also the mechanics of its macromolecular architecture.

Sergei Sheiko of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will first delve into the nuanced properties of polymer networks, including their modulus, strain-stiffening behavior, and swelling tendencies, all of which are intricately linked to the network's architectural configuration. Then, Adrianne Rosales of the University of Texas at Austin, will underscore the significance of viscoelasticity—a phenomenon embodying both solid and liquid properties. She will also elucidate the mechanical characterization of viscoelastic materials, employing shear oscillatory rheology techniques in both the linear and nonlinear regions.

Register now to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate world of polymer mechanics and its impact on material behavior.

This ACS Webinar is moderated by Michael Silverstein of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and co-produced with the ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering (PMSE).

What You Will Learn

• The elastic responses of elastomers and gels
• Network architecture: Decoupling softness, firmness, and swelling ratio
• The forensics of polymer networks: Deciphering the network structure from its nonlinear elastic response
• Characterizing the storage and loss moduli using shear rheology
• Characterizing stress relaxation in viscoelastic polymers
• Rheological characterization: The differences between “linear” and “nonlinear”

Meet the Experts

Sergei S. Sheiko, Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Adrianne M. Rosales, Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at Austin

Michael S. Silverstein, Sherman–Gilbert Chair in Energy, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology