A non-Gaussian theory of rubberlike elasticity based on rotational isomeric state simulations of network chain configurations. III. Networks prepared from the extraordinarily flexible chains of polymeric sulfur and polymeric selenium

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Abstract
Distribution functions for the end-to-end separation of polymeric sulfur [-S-] and selenium [-Se-] are obtained from Monte Carlo simulations which take into account the chains’ geometric characteristics and conformational preferences. Comparisons with the corresponding information on polyethylene [-CH2-] demonstrate the remarkable equilibrium flexibility or compactness of these two molecules. Use of the S and Se distribution functions in the three-chain model for rubberlike elasticity in the affine limit gives elastomeric properties very close to those of simple Gaussian networks, even though their distribution functions appear to be significantly non-Gaussian. Specifically, unlike the case of polyethylene, even very short S and Se chains show only slight upturns in modulus at high elongations; this is consistent with their unusually high flexibility.