Excluded Volume of Slide Rings in Single-Chain Polyrotaxane

We investigate the influence of slide rings on the stretching behavior of a single-chain polyrotaxane anchored by a fix ring. The extension of the force side in our simulations is in line with the previous theoretical framework. However, the end-to-end distance on the free side shows a discrepancy. To address this, we include the excluded-volume effect, successfully aligning with theoretical predictions. We propose a comprehensive model that incorporates excluded-volume effects for rings on both the free side and the force side. The model demonstrates qualitative consistency with simulation data, highlighting the competition among rings from each side. The force-side rings exert a significant influence on the extension of the force side, as derived from the excluded-volume effects. These findings of greater force responsiveness of force-side rings have potential implications for the design of slide-ring gels.