Paper
Phase diagrams of conformationally asymmetric pentablock copolymer melts: a theory and simulation study
MD simulations and SCFT calculations to predict phase diagrams for pentablock copolymers with conformationally asymmetric blocks modeled as chains with unequal stiffness or bead diameters.
Glass transition and subphase anchoring govern the emergence of viscoelasticity in polymer interfaces
The rheological properties of polymer-laden water/air interfaces and the ability to measure them are strongly correlated with the polymer film morphology.
Paper
Synthesis of single chain polystyrene nanoparticles via reversible ionic interactions
Representation of intramolecular chain folding, through cross-linking.
Resolving toughness-modulus conflict in carbon black reinforced natural rubber by preserving long chains
In carbon black reinforced natural rubber, the synergy between sparsely crosslinked, densely entangled long chains and the percolated network of carbon particles greatly amplifies toughness while maintaining a high modulus.
Paper
Elasticity promotes directional transport of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in native human airway mucus and complex fluids
Quantifying P. aeruginosa motion in normal and pathological native human airway mucus and mucus simulants with decoupled elastic and viscous moduli reveals that elasticity promotes fast directional bacterial transport within mucus and complex fluids.
Paper
Analysis of disordered trusses using network Laplacians
We present a spectral method (in time) to efficiently compute truss dynamics, where a network Laplacian captures elastic coupling between joints and external forces. It enables fast and accurate evaluation of natural frequencies and impact responses.
Paper
Assessing the dynamics of symmetric and asymmetric hyaluronic acid–chitosan complex coacervates
The mechanics of complex coacervates are governed not only by electrostatic interactions but also by polymer molecular weight (Mw) and chain stiffness, yet their combined role remains insufficiently resolved for biopolyelectrolytes.
Ring polymers in two-dimensional melts double-fold around randomly branching “primitive shapes”
Drawing inspiration from the concept of the “primitive path” of a linear chain in melt conditions, we introduce a numerical protocol which allows us to define, with no ambiguity, the “primitive shapes” of ring polymers in two-dimensional melts.
Paper
Toughening 3D printed elastomers using mechanophore crosslinkers
Crosslinking DLP 3D printable elastomers using scissile mechanophores increases tear resistance, and enables suturing of the material.
Electrostatic correlation free energy for finite polymer chains
An order 1/N correction to the Edwards approximation, which is conventionally used for estimating the electrostatic correlation free energy (ECF) of polyelectrolyte solutions, is needed for quantitative predictions.
About this collection
In recognition of Professor Rubinstein’s seminal contributions to multiple fields, this themed collection covers polymers, soft matter, biomolecular materials, and the physics of living systems. Importantly, it is meant to convey his important leadership in educating generations of scientists.
This collection is Guest Edited by Liheng Cai (University of Virginia, ORCID 0000-0002-6806-0566) and Scott Danielsen (Georgia Institute of Technology) ORCID 0000-0003-3432-5578