EFFECTS OF A NEMATIC-LIKE INTERACTION IN RUBBER ELASTICITY THEORY

A modified theory of rubber elasticity is proposed which includes anisotropic intermolecular interactions favoring the alignment of neighboring chain segments. These interactions are described in the mean field approximation by an intermolecular potential having the same form as that used for the study of nematic phases. It is shown that such interactions increase orientation of chain segments but do not significantly alter the stress-strain behavior of a network. Finally, experimental consequences of the theory are discussed. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.