Ultimate swelling described by limiting chain extensibility of swollen elastomers

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2018

Abstract

In this study, we study ultimate swelling characterized by limiting chain extensibility of swollen elastomers. Limiting chain extensibility is introduced into the Flory–Rehner theory using the Arruda–Boyce eight chain model and the Gent phenomenological model. The difference between these models is unified by defining a single scalar function. The inequality derived from this function allows for analysis to provide an ultimate value of swelling ratio. This ultimate value is not exceeded at equilibrium swelling regardless of the set of material constants. Under uniaxial loading at equilibrium swelling, deswelling can occur even in tension. Further, the very large swelling behavior of pH sensitive hydrogels is found to originate from the resistance generated by approaching the ultimate value of swelling ratio.

Identifier

85048821320 (Scopus)

Publication Title

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2018.06.011

ISSN

00207403

First Page

531

Last Page

539

Volume

144

Grant

CMMI-1463121

Fund Ref

National Science Foundation

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