A rubber elasticity and softening model based on chain length statistics

Relative contributions of chain density and topology to the elasticity of two-dimensional polymer networks

“…In recent years advanced models have been proposed to account for molecular weight distribution in rubber-like materials. [56][57][58] This assumption becomes however questionable for networks produced by the coupling reaction of branched macromonomers with well-defined arm lengths, such as ideal tetra-arm PEG hydrogels. In such gels it is expected that density of elastically effective chains, topology, and initial end-to-end distance distribution are all intrinsically coupled through the cross-coupling process in solution.…”

Effect of chain length distribution on mechanical behavior of polymeric networks

“…This proposition is adopted here and forms the basis of a micromechanical model for the elasticity and damage initiation in elastomers with a random distribution of strand length. This study is inspired by the recent work of Itskov and Knyazeva [12] who proposed a model for rubber elasticity based on the chain length statistics. Here, their approach is advanced by introducing a failure criterion based on the interatomic pair potential and considering damage accumulation using a simple first-order kinetic theory.…”

Network Polydispersity and Deformation‐Induced Damage in Filled Elastomers

“…If tension is strong enough, free or bulk strands may also break at backbone or cleave at a crosslink and become elastically inactive. To take this network alteration into account, we follow the method proposed by Itskov and Knyazeva and Tehrani and Sarvestani and replace the lower limit of the first integral in Equations and (13) with the shortest strand that can survive the macroscopic stretch. Starting with the adsorbed strands, we find the critical entropic force developed at the tails of an adsorbed strand that leads to its complete desorption.…”

“…Models representing the failure and ultimate strength of polydisperse networks that take into account the statistical information of the strand length distribution are developed recently. [34,35] In this paper, we will examine the effect of polydispersity on elasticity and mechanical strength of filled vulcanizates with polydisperse structures. We develop a micromechanical model for initiation of bulk damage and show how the irregularity in network structure markedly affects the strength of filled rubbers.…”

“…Models representing the failure and ultimate strength of polydisperse networks that take into account the statistical information of the strand length distribution are developed recently . In this paper, we will examine the effect of polydispersity on elasticity and mechanical strength of filled vulcanizates with polydisperse structures.…”