Elasticity of compressed microgel suspensions

TL;DR

This paper models the elasticity of compressed microgel suspensions using a core-shell approach, combining mean field Flory theory and polymer brush models, aligning well with experimental shear modulus data.

Contribution

It introduces a combined theoretical model for microgel elasticity that integrates core and corona mechanics, providing a comprehensive understanding of their mechanical response.

Findings

Model reproduces experimental shear modulus within a constant factor

Combines Flory theory and polymer brush models effectively

Supports the jamming perspective in microgel elasticity

Abstract

We describe the elasticity of compressed microgel suspensions starting from a core--shell model for the single particle. The mechanical properties of the inner core and of the outer corona are described via the mean field Flory theory, and via the Alexander--de Gennes model for polymer brushes, respectively. The model successfully reproduces experimental measures of the elastic shear modulus up to a constant factor that we rationalize in the jamming perspective.