Link Between Particle Deformation and Dynamical Fragility in Soft Polymer Systems

We establish a universal connection between particle deformation and dynamical fragility across diverse models of soft polymer rings, demonstrating that this relationship is not limited to specific system details but represents a fundamental principle in soft matter physics. Using three distinct models—Elastic Polymer Rings (EPR), equilibrium EPR (eq-EPR), and semi-flexible polymer rings (SFPR)—we analyze how changes in internal elasticity influence both the degree of particle asphericity and the system’s response to increasing packing fraction.

In all cases, we observe a linear correlation between the magnitude of dynamical fragility (m) and the variation in asphericity (Δa/a₀), defined as the relative change in average particle shape anisotropy with respect to low-density values.ESRRA Antibody Data Sheet This scaling holds over a wide range of fragilities, from strongly fragile to nearly strong systems, confirming that deformation is a key determinant of collective dynamics. The slope of this linear relation varies between models, reflecting differences in how each system responds to mechanical stress: eq-EPRs exhibit minimal deformation due to force balancing, resulting in a shallow slope; SFPRs show high deformability and large fluctuations but limited stress propagation, leading to a steeper slope; while EPRs display optimal balance between deformation and coherence, yielding the most pronounced fragility dependence.MIB1 Antibody supplier

The emergence of reentrant dynamics—initial slowing down followed by acceleration at high density—is observed in all models, indicating that ring deformation enhances mobility by enabling volume reduction and shape adaptation.PMID:34550038 However, only the EPR model achieves anomalous super-diffusion, underscoring that deformation alone is insufficient for such behavior. Instead, it is the ability of the system to sustain and propagate stress through internal elasticity that enables coherent motion. In SFPRs, despite extreme shape fluctuations, stress relaxation occurs locally without triggering collective effects. In eq-EPRs, deformation is suppressed, preventing any significant dynamical enhancement.

Our results reinforce the hypothesis that single-particle elasticity governs collective behavior in dense soft systems. By quantifying fragility through modified Angell plots and linking it directly to asphericity, we provide a predictive framework for understanding dynamic responses in soft colloids. These findings extend beyond 2D models and are expected to hold in 3D and for more realistic representations of microgels, star polymers, and other complex soft particles. Future work will explore how these principles apply to real experimental systems and whether they can guide the design of materials with tunable fragility and transport properties.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com