Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 54: Gels, Polymer Networks and Elastomers II

CPP 54.2: Talk

Friday, March 13, 2026, 10:00–10:15, ZEU/0255

Characterization of the deformation and fracture of tough double-network hydrogels — •Eric Euchler¹, Sitao Wang², Konrad Schneider¹, and Sven Wießner^{1, 3} — ¹Leibniz-Insititut für Polymerforschung Dresden, Dresden, Germany — ²Leibniz-Insititut für Polymerforschung Dresden, Dresden, Germany — ³TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany

Double-network hydrogels (DNHs) feature two interpenetrating networks: a stiff, densely crosslinked first network that carries the load at low strain, and a flexible, loosely crosslinked second network that remains deformable under high strain, offering mechanical properties comparable to elastomers and soft load-bearing biological tissues. Additionally, a yielding phenomenon accompanied by necking of the sample can be observed. This necking zone forms under uniaxial tension and grows with continued loading, which is associated with the fracture of the first network. In this contribution, new insights into the mechanical deformation and damage behavior are given by advanced characterization approaches.

Keywords: Double-network hydrogels; Necking; Internal fracture