Nicolas Bain
Institut Lumière Matière, Université de Lyon
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Unravelling the multiscale surface mechanics of soft solids
The mechanics of soft solid interfaces is key to the response of many natural and artificial systems at small scales. Yet, their underlying properties are vigorously debated, particularly for polymer networks. While molecular-scale theory predicts no interfacial changes with macroscopic deformation, multiple experiments suggest that interfacial tension increases with strain. In this presentation, I will detail two experimental systems that aim at settling this issue. This first one exploits the topography of rough surfaces under stretch, and the second focuses on the measurement of displacement fields near the interface of a deformed silicone gel. Their results demonstrate that the mechanical response of soft polymeric solids is intrinsically multi-scale, and that the interfacial elastic properties are modulated by the composition of the outer medium.
