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Time is Length in Self-Similar Logarithmic Aging of Physically Cross-Linked Semiflexible Polymer Networks
Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 158101 – Published 9 October, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/1slf-41nm
Abstract
Physical aging in polymers is a fundamental yet poorly understood phenomenon, as diverse macromolecular systems exhibit remarkably similar slow dynamics. Through molecular dynamics simulations of physically cross-linked networks composed of semiflexible polymers, we identify a previously unexplored class of self-similar aging. The network undergoes ultraslow coarsening characterized by a logarithmically growing mesh size, , which governs the spatial organization, cohesive and bending energies, and the aging dynamics of the system. This single time-dependent length scale defines an internal clock, giving rise to spatiotemporal self-similarity of both structure and dynamics—offering a perspective on aging in soft and disordered materials.