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arXiv · 2610.11837

Elastic polymer networks of exceptional strength by deconcentrating tension

Yu Zhou·Chenghai Li·Zheqi Chen·Xianyang Bao·Zhigang Suo
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Abstract

The strength of a polymer network is orders of magnitude below that of a polymer chain, because the network concentrates high tension in a small fraction of polymer strands. Here we show that the strength of a network can be greatly amplified by recruiting a larger fraction of strands to bear high tension. We develop approaches to fabricate hydrogels of exceptional strength while maintaining low hysteresis. The strength of the hydrogel increases from ~0.05 MPa for a regular network, to ~1 MPa for a highly entangled network, and further to ~10 MPa for a prestretched interpenetrating network. Similar amplifications of strength are achieved for elastomers. Furthermore, experimental data suggest a scaling relation between strength and strand length. This work provides design principles for creating elastic and strong polymer networks.

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Yu Zhou, Chenghai Li, Zheqi Chen, Xianyang Bao, Zhigang Suo. 2026-10-08. Elastic polymer networks of exceptional strength by deconcentrating tension. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.11837

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