Effect of the reference chain dimensions in the molecular theory of viscoelastic behavior of polymer networks

Mooney's version of the molecular theory of polymer networks has been generalized to the case when the external strain applied in the isotropic state is different from that at network formation. As in the theory of equilibrium behavior of the polymer networks, this generalization allows inclusion in the viscoelastic functions of effects connected with the temperature dependence of internal energy of the chains and with the strain effect of the solvent. From viscoelastic functions thus generalized, it is possible to derive a relation for calculation of the monomeric friction coefficient. It also suggests the possibility of superposing data obtained at various temperatures, degrees of swelling, and condition of network formation.