Nonlinear elasticity and transition to macroscopic irreversibility in composite hydrogels
Abstract
' reaches its maximum, characterized by a marked change in the stress relaxation dynamics. Beyond , the composites no longer recover their initial viscoelastic properties in repeated strain amplitude sweeps, indicating that the material has sustained macroscopically irreversible changes and a permanent loss of elasticity. We thus identify three distinct regimes in the strain-stiffening materials: nonlinear elasticity, macroscopic irreversibility, and yielding. We further suggest that the plasticity underpinning macroscopic irreversibility is due to the breaking of bonds that contribute most to the composite's strain stiffening response in the hydrogel matrix.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hydrogels: synthesis
properties
applications
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Elasticity and Material Modeling
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Soft Matter
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 2290–2300
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN