Abstract
We derive an analytical model that allows us to quantitatively predict
the features of 2D-to-3D shape changes in polymer gels that encompass
different degrees of swelling within the material and thus, can model
different regions of growth within the sample. Such gels can be
realized, for example, by introducing variations in the cross-link
density within the network or polymerizing the chains to be relatively
longer in one area of the sample than another. Focusing on a bi-strip
gel that swells into a ``bi-roll'', we determine the radii and
amplitudes within a given roll, and the length of the transition layer
between the two rolls. The predictions from our model agree
quantitatively with available experimental data. In addition, we carry
out numerical simulations that account for the complete non-linear
behavior of the gel, and show good agreement between the analytical
predictions and the numerical results. Models that provide quantitative
predictions on the final morphology in such heterogeneously swelling
hydrogels are useful not only for understanding growth patterns in
biology, but also for establishing how to accurately tailor the
structure of gels to meet the requirements of various technological
applications.
Original language | English |
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Pages | S59 |
State | Published - 2019 |