EFFECT OF NETWORK STRUCTURE IN THE EQUATION OF RUBBER ELASTICITY.

The statistical theory of rubber elasticity is one of the simplest and most successful theories in polymer science. It correctly predicts that modulus increases with temperature and does reasonably well in fitting stress-strain data for real elastomers. Though the stress, strain, and temperature dependence for an ideal rubber is fairly well established, the relation between network structural features like crosslinks, dangling ends, and entanglements and mechanical response is uncertain. The modulus-structure relations recently derived by Miller and Macosko for several types of networks are tested here with a model system: the hydrosilation crosslinking of vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane chains with a tetra-functional silane. Results of shear modulus as a function of extent of reaction and of stoichiometric imbalance are in good agreement with the theory.