Simulation of mechanical response in polymer crystallization

Abstract

The problem of following the mechanical response of a polymer during crystallization is studied using a theory developed by Negahban and Wineman [1]. Elastic modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio are defined in the context of polymer crystallization. For unconstrained crystallization and crystallization under constant uniaxial stretching, the values of elastic modulus, shear modulus, poisons ratio, and residual stretch are evaluated. The proposed model is fit to data available for natural rubber and the predictions of the model are discussed.