Superentangled polymer networks by stable acoustic cavitation

Superentangled polymer networks by stable acoustic cavitation | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Superentangled polymer networks by stable acoustic cavitation Gun Kim, Cindy Escalona, Hyoeun Kim, Seungo Baek, Haeji Kim, Jingyu Deng, and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7558130/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Entanglements of polymer chains are a crucial structural factor in determining the mechanical properties. However, entropic polymers cannot surpass the thermodynamic equilibrium, imposing an upper bound on the material property space. Here, we demonstrate a superentangled state, where polymer chains entangle beyond the thermodynamic equilibrium, through spatiotemporally controlled stable cavitation induced by focused ultrasound (FUS). Upon stable cavitation, microbubbles periodically expand and shrink with negligible sonochemical effects, generating stable yet strong micro acoustic streaming that further densifies entanglements. Using highly entangled polyacrylamide hydrogels as a model material, we demonstrate that the modulus exceeds the thermodynamic limit by about 34.7%, confirming the superentangled state. This physical approach demonstrates entanglement density as a programmable design parameter, unlocking new possibilities for developing high-performance soft materials. Physical sciences/Materials science/Soft materials/Polymers Physical sciences/Engineering/Mechanical engineering Full Text Additional Declarations There is NO Competing Interest. Supplementary Files SINTU.docx Supplementary Information MovieS1.mp4 Movie S1. High-speed video showing standing wave formation inside the mold at excitation frequencies of 438, 876, and 1,500 kHz. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7558130","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":526435683,"identity":"5263bc50-c4cc-4519-a72f-de48593fc6e4","order_by":0,"name":"Gun 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