Prediction of Tensile Curves of Rubber Materials by Different Network Models

The paper presents application of rubber elasticity theory to the predictive model of tensile mechanical properties. Poly(methyl methacrylate) was chosen as a model polymer. The input dates were crosslink density and type of chain. The crosslink density was taken from swelling experiment. Two types of chain were analyzed, namely worm like and chain with the realistic function of dihedral potential. Dihedral potential function was derived from molecular model of chain segment. Predictive tensile curve was compared with experimental one. The similarity of potential functions of selective polymers (polypropylene, poly-vinylchloride, poly-vinylalcohol, poly-vinylfluoride, polystyrene) enables to generalize this procedure.