The effect of strain-induced crystallization on the ultimate properties of an elastomeric polymer network

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Abstract
Elastomeric networks made up of chain molecules of sufficient structural regularity generally exhibit strain-induced crystallization. Crystallites thus formed have a pronounced reinforcing effect within the network, and thus increase its ultimate properties (ultimate strength and maximum extensibility), Increase in temperature or addition of diluent (plasticizer) suppresses the strain-induced crystallization and thus diminishes the ultimate properties. These effects are demonstrated using stress-strain isotherms obtained in elongation for crystallizable networks of cis-1, 4-polybutadiene and of polyisobutylene. The magnitude of the effects of strain-induced crystallization are determintud by comparisons of the ultimate properties of these two crystallizable networks with the corresponding ultimate properties of noncrysrallizable networks of polydimethylsiloxane.