Time is Length in Self-Similar Logarithmic Aging of Physically Cross-Linked Semiflexible Polymer Networks
METADATA ONLY
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2025-10-10
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
METADATA ONLY
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Physical aging in polymers is a fundamental yet poorly understood phenomenon, as diverse macromolecular systems exhibit remarkably similar slow dynamics. Through molecular dynamics simulations of physically cross-linked networks composed of semiflexible polymers, we identify a previously unexplored class of self-similar aging. The network undergoes ultraslow coarsening charac terized by a logarithmically growing mesh size, LðtÞ ∼ ln t, which governs the spatial organization, cohesive and bending energies, and the aging dynamics of the system. This single time-dependent length scale defines an internal clock, giving rise to spatiotemporal self-similarity of both structure and dynamics —offering a perspective on aging in soft and disordered materials.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
135 (15)
Pages / Article No.
158101
Publisher
American Physical Society
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Organisational unit
03986 - Gambardella, Pietro / Gambardella, Pietro
Notes
Funding
Related publications and datasets
Is supplemented by: http://link.aps.org/supplemental/10.1103/1slf-41nm
Is cited by: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-c-000784931