ISSN:
0003-3146
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
Molecular theories of rubberlike elasticity are surveyed, starting with the earliest attempts carried out in the 1930's and ending with work still very much in progress. The models are variously based on phenomenological arguments, affinely-deforming networks, phantom networks, constrained junctions, constrained chains, slip-links, molecular tubes, van der Waals concepts, or rotational isomeric chains. Most of the theories are analytical, but some involve computer simulations based on Monte Carlo methods. The theories are generally for networks of Gaussian chains, but there have been significant advances for non-Gaussian networks as well, and these are particularly important with regard to a better understanding of ultimate properties. The major outstanding problem on the theory side, however, seems to be a quantitative treatment of chain entanglements.There have also been numerous advances on the experimental side. These include preparation of model networks of known structure, accumulation of elasticity data for deformations other than the much-studied simple elongation, development of new characterization techniques (such as fluorescence polarization, and X-ray and neutron scattering), investigation of the phenomenon of gel collapse, borrowing of ideas from the area of bioelastomers, and preparation of novel reinforcing fillers.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/apmc.1992.052020101
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