Polymer networks possess complex architectures featured by various molecular topologies. Here, we develop a theoretical approach to demonstrate that the topological anisotropy of network cells has profound effects on the transport properties of the networks. Through defining cell topologies resembling polyhedral shapes, the clear quantitative trends regarding the effects of the topological anisotropy has been established. Our results based on theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo simulations provide the free energy landscape experienced by nanoparticles in network cells and reveal new scaling regimes regarding their topological-anisotropy dependence. Furthermore, the examination of the detailed impact of cell topologies on transport dynamics of nanoparticles leads to different dynamical regimes, in contrast to the existing results focusing on local elastic deformation of network loop. The findings suggest that cell topology may be an indispensable factor for the transport dynamics in networks..

Cell topology mediates transport of particles in polymer networks

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.