Multi‐scale modeling of double network hydrogels

Abstract

A double network hydrogel (DN gel) is a class of elastomeric gels formed by polyelectrolyte and neutral polymer networks. The DN gel is the toughest material among the conventional hydrogels. It shows inelastic features such as necking instability [1] and the stress softening [2], similar to that one known in elastomers. In this contribution, we purpose a micromechanically motivated model to characterize relation between internal damage and inelastic deformations in the DN gel.