The synthesis of precisely controlled polymer networks has been a long-cherished dream of
polymer scientists. Traditional random cross-linking strategies often lead to uncontrolled …

Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) prevalently strengthens, toughens, and enables an
elastocaloric effect in elastomers. However, the crystallinity induced by mechanical …

The realization of an ideal polymer network that is free from heterogeneity is one of the
ultimate goals in polymer science. Heterogeneity is known to be an inherent property of …

Unlike hard materials such as metals and ceramics, rubbery materials can endure large
deformations due to the large conformational degree of freedom of the cross-linked polymer …

Double network (DN) gels, consisting of a brittle first and flexible second network, have been
known to be extremely tough and functional hydrogels. In a DN gel subjected to force, the …

In this work, we intended to investigate the relationship between the swelling ratio Q and
Young's modulus E of hydrogels from their contracted state to extreme swelling state and …

Single particle tracking is used to investigate the effect of nanoparticle shape anisotropy on
dynamics. The mean squared displacements of poly (ethylene glycol)(PEG)-functionalized …

Mechanical behaviors of a polymer gel are coupled with its swelling behavior. It has been
known that typical hydrogels display extension-induced swelling and drying-induced …

The effect of nanoscale defects on nanoparticle dynamics in defective tetra-poly (ethylene
glycol)(tetra-PEG) hydrogels is investigated using single particle tracking. In a swollen …

Double-network (DN) gels and elastomers, which consist of two (or more) rubbery polymer
networks with contrasting physical properties, have received significant attention as they are …