Time is length in self-similar logarithmic aging of physically cross-linked semiflexible polymer networks

Patrick Ilg; Clarisse Luap; Martin Kröger

doi:10.1103/1slf-41nm

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arXiv · 2510.12989

Time is length in self-similar logarithmic aging of physically cross-linked semiflexible polymer networks

Patrick Ilg·Clarisse Luap·Martin Kröger

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Abstract

Physical aging in polymers is a fundamental yet poorly understood phenomenon, as diverse macromolecular systems exhibit remarkably similar slow dynamics. Through molecular dynamics simulations of physically crosslinked networks composed of semiflexible polymers, we identify a previously unexplored class of self-similar aging. The network undergoes ultra-slow coarsening characterized by a logarithmically growing mesh size, $L(t)\sim \ln t$, which governs the spatial organization, cohesive and bending energies, and the aging dynamics of the system. This single time-dependent length scale defines an internal clock, giving rise to spatio- temporal self-similarity of both structure and dynamics - offering a perspective on aging in soft and disordered materials.

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Patrick Ilg, Clarisse Luap, Martin Kröger. 2025-10-14. Time is length in self-similar logarithmic aging of physically cross-linked semiflexible polymer networks. https://doi.org/10.1103/1slf-41nm

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