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Can Polyelectrolyte Mechanical Properties be Directly Modulated by an Electric Field? A Molecular Dynamics Study

Journal Article · · Advanced Functional Materials

Multifunctionality in polymers facilitates their application in emerging technologies. Electrical fields are a preferred stimulus because of the speed and ease of application to bulk polymers. While a wide range of electrically triggered actuators are developed, and electrically controlled adhesion between gels is demonstrated, modification of bulk mechanical properties via electrical stimuli remains elusive. Polymers with covalently incorporated ionic charge (polyelectrolytes) should be well suited to achieving this goal since the mechanical properties depend on electrostatic interactions and these charges are intrinsically susceptible to electric fields. Molecular dynamics simulations are utilized here to investigate whether electric fields can modulate the mechanical properties of polyelectrolytes and to understand the governing mechanisms. Mechanical property modulation by electric field is found to be sensitive to the charge distribution—charges must be tightly attached to the polymer backbone, and responsivity is greater if a single backbone contains both positive and negative charges. The dominant mechanisms are reorientation and stretching of the polymer chains, which also elongate the ionic clusters to maintain strong electrostatic interactions throughout deformation. Furthermore, these insights are critical for future experimental realization of polymers with electric field regulated mechanical properties.

Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); National Science Foundation
Contributing Organization:
Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0019141
OSTI ID:
1775349
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1804502
Journal Information:
Advanced Functional Materials, Journal Name: Advanced Functional Materials Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 31; ISSN 1616-301X
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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