Dynamic transition between rubber and sliding states attributed to slidable cross-links

Abstract

Double-digit relaxation of the elastic modulus and a previously unknown plateau are observed in a new class of slide-ring gels. Detailed consideration of the assignment of the two observed plateaus and the relaxation dynamics reveals that the relaxation is attributable to the sliding dynamics of partial chains through cross-links. This suggests a transition between one state where the cross-links behave as fixed ones and another where they slide freely.