Polymer chain scission at constant tension - an example of force-induced collective behaviour

TL;DR

This study uses Molecular Dynamics simulations to analyze how constant tension induces collective behavior in polymer chain scission, revealing force-dependent rupture dynamics and the influence of defects, temperature, and friction.

Contribution

It demonstrates the collective effects and inertial influences on polymer chain breakage under constant tension, highlighting new insights into rupture kinetics.

Findings

Mean lifetime becomes force-dependent and independent of chain length at high tension.

Inertial effects significantly influence rupture rates along the polymer.

Local defects, temperature, and friction alter scission kinetics.

Abstract

The breakage of a polymer chain of segments, coupled by anharmonic bonds with applied constant external tensile force is studied by means of Molecular Dynamics simulation. We show that the mean life time of the chain becomes progressively independent of the number of bonds as the pulling force grows. The latter affects also the rupture rates of individual bonds along the polymer backbone manifesting the essential role of inertial effects in the fragmentation process. The role of local defects, temperature and friction in the scission kinetics is also examined.