Simulation of polymer network formation: Connectivity considerations

The issue of connectivity in polymer networks is discussed by employing graph theory. Several topics are addressed, including the theory of rubberlike elasticity and computer simulations of network formation. The formulation of the partition function is reviewed and new applications are presented on the irradiation cure of polybutadiene and the sulfur vulcanization of cis(1,4)-polyisoprene and cis(1,4)-polybutadiene.