Non-monotonic dependence of the rupture force in polymer chains on their lengths

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the rupture force of polymer chains varies with chain length, revealing a non-monotonic relationship where medium-length chains are more prone to breaking than shorter or longer ones, due to the Morse potential modeling.

Contribution

It introduces a model of polymer rupture dynamics using Morse potential, showing non-monotonic rupture force dependence on chain length, which was not previously understood.

Findings

Medium-length chains break easier than short or long ones.

The rupture force dependence is non-monotonic in the relevant parameter domain.

A qualitative theory explaining this effect is provided.

Abstract

We consider the rupture dynamics of a homopolymer chain pulled at one end at a constant loading rate. Our model of the breakable polymer is related to the Rouse chain, with the only difference that the interaction between the monomers is described by the Morse potential instead of the harmonic one, and thus allows for mechanical failure. We show that in the experimentally relevant domain of parameters the dependence of the most probable rupture force on the chain length may be non-monotonic, so that the medium-length chains break easier than the short and the long ones. The qualitative theory of the effect is presented.