Elasticity of polydiene networks in tension and compression

Abstract

Previously we reported experimental data, on natural rubber networks in tension and compression, which deviated from the constraint models of rubber elasticity. Equivalent experiments were carried out on crosslinked polybutadiene, and similar discrepancies with theory observed. An alternative approach, based on the tube model of chain entanglements, was found to provide a more accurate description of the experimental data. However, physical interpretation of the values for the model's parameters is problematic.