Chemimechanical

Chemimechanical, also referred to as chemomechanical, describes the interdisciplinary study of how chemical processes and mechanical behavior influence one another in materials and systems. It encompasses phenomena where chemical reactions, diffusion, sorption, or phase changes drive deformation and stress, as well as situations where the existing mechanical state affects chemical potentials, reaction rates, transport, or phase stability.

The core mechanisms involve swelling and shrinkage from solvent uptake or gas sorption, diffusion-induced stresses from concentration changes, reaction-induced lattice or volume changes, and phase transformations that couple chemistry to mechanics. Mechanical stresses can alter diffusion pathways, reaction kinetics, and fracture behavior, leading to complex feedback between chemical and mechanical fields. The framework often uses poromechanics, elasticity coupled with diffusion or reaction-transport equations, and phase-field or other multiscale models to describe how stresses and chemical potentials interact.

Common theoretical approaches include coupled diffusion-reaction-transport models with elasticity, chemo-elastic formulations, and multiscale simulations that bridge atomistic processes and continuum mechanics. Experimental methods focus on measuring coupled fields such as concentration, stress, strain, and chemical composition during operation or treatment, often using in situ or operando techniques.

Applications of chemimechanical concepts span energy storage, soft robotics, and materials science. In batteries and electrochemical systems, large volume changes during lithiation or plating induce stresses that affect performance and longevity. In hydrogels and responsive polymers, chemical stimuli drive actuation. Understanding chemimechanical coupling aids in designing more durable materials, safer batteries, and innovative smart systems.