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Ring polymers are an intriguing class of polymers with unique physicalproperties, and understanding their behavior is important for developingaccurate theoretical models. In this study, we investigate the effect of chainstiffness and monomer density on static and dynamic behaviors of ring polymermelts using molecular dynamics simulations. Our first focus is on thenon-Gaussian parameter of center of mass displacement as a measure of dynamicheterogeneity, which is commonly observed in glass-forming liquids. We findthat the non-Gaussianity in the displacement distribution increases with themonomer density and stiffness of the polymer chains, suggesting that excludedvolume interactions between centers of mass have a stronger effect on thedynamics of ring polymers. We then analyze the relationship between the radiusof gyration and monomer density for semi-flexible and stiff ring polymers. Ourresults indicate that the relationship between the two varies with chainstiffness, which can be attributed to the competition between repulsive forcesinside the ring and from adjacent rings. Finally, we study the dynamics ofbond-breakage virtually connected between the centers of mass of rings toanalyze the exchanges of inter-molecular networks of bonds. Our resultsdemonstrate that the dynamic heterogeneity of bond-breakage is coupled with thenon-Gaussianity in ring polymer melts, highlighting the importance ofbond-breaking method in determining the inter-molecular dynamics of ringpolymer melts. Overall, our study provides insights into the fundamentalmechanism of ring polymers and sheds light on the factors that govern theirdynamic behavior.

Unraveling the glass-like dynamic heterogeneity in ring polymer melts: From semi-flexible to stiff chain