A molded film of single-component polymer-grafted nanoparticles (SPNP), consisting of a spherical silica core and densely grafted polymer chains bearing hydrogen-bonding side groups capable of physical crosslinking, was investigated by in situ ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) measurement during a uniaxial stretching process. Static USAXS revealed that the molded SPNP formed a highly o...

It has been demonstrated that mechanical stimulation plays a vital role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. However, little is known about the effects of mechanical stress on tendon/ligament development from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Here, using a custom-made cell-stretching device, we studied the effects of mechanical stretching on the cell morphology and mR...

We present two new experimental methods of realizing the desired kinematics in a filament stretching rheometer. Due to the presence of the rigid plates connecting the fluid filament in this device, a homogeneous uniaxial elongational flow cannot be imposed throughout the entire fluid filament. However, if the fluid element at the midpoint of the filament is forced to contract in the same manner...

Abstract The interfacial interaction between the main oxidant filler ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) matrix in AP/HTPB propellants were studied via an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. results of simulation showed effects microscopic cross-linked structure matrix, stretching rate during uniaxial stretching, contact area on mechanical properties, such...

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in packaging and fiber industries. However, despite of its strain-induced crystallization (SIC) behavior, stretching procedures sometimes lead to dimensional instabilities upon time or at intermediate temperatures (hot filling for example). One the solutions involves heating sample during a specific given temperature, generally after stretching, p...

Understanding the forces controlling vascular network properties and morphology can enhance in vitro tissue vascularization and graft integration prospects. This work assessed the effect of uniaxial cell-induced and externally applied tensile forces on the morphology of vascular networks formed within fibroblast and endothelial cell-embedded 3D polymeric constructs. Force intensity correlated w...

Abstract Many types of adherent cells are known to reorient upon uniaxial cyclic stretching perpendicularly the direction facilitate such important events as wound healing, angiogenesis, and morphogenesis. While this phenomenon has been documented for decades, underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Using an on-stage device that allowed programmable with synchronized imaging, we found r...