New law enhances strength of stretchable material networks

Scientists have developed a new scaling law to calculate the intrinsic fracture energy (IFE) of stretchable networks, which was previously unmeasurable. This law predicts IFE based on the properties of individual strands and the network's geometry. The research, published in Physical Review X, applies to various two- and three-dimensional network architectures. It allows engineers to design stronger materials by understanding how different factors influence fracture energy. The study involved testing networks made from various materials, including hydrogels, using simulations and experiments. This advancement could enhance applications in soft robotics, engineered tissues, and aerospace technologies.