Theory of Semiflexible Filaments and Networks

• Main Authors: Fanlong Meng, Eugene M. Terentjev
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-02-01
• Series: Polymers
• Subjects: theory; semiflexible chain; semiflexible filament network; transient network
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/9/2/52

We briefly review the recent developments in the theory of individual semiflexible filaments, and of a crosslinked network of such filaments, both permanent and transient. Starting from the free energy of an individual semiflexible chain, models on its force-extension relation and other mechanical properties such as Euler buckling are discussed. For a permanently crosslinked network of filaments, theories on how the network responds to deformation are provided, with a focus on continuum approaches. Characteristic features of filament networks, such as nonlinear stress-strain relation, negative normal stress, tensegrity, and marginal stability are discussed. In the new area of transient filament network, where the crosslinks can be dynamically broken and re-formed, we show some recent attempts for understanding the dynamics of the crosslinks, and the related rheological properties, such as stress relaxation, yield stress and plasticity.