Inelastic loop formation

In the present paper, theoretical arguments and modulus measurements are used to deduce the significant gel structures which lead to inelastic loop formation and to quantify the network defects and reductions in modulus which may be expected, even in the limit of no pre-gel intramolecular reaction. In this limit all the existing theories and computer simulations of polymerisations including intramolecular reactlon(8,10,ll) predict that perfect networks are formed. 

Table I. Values of parameters characterising pre-gel intramolecular reaction (v,b,(f-2)/(vb ) ) (5-7,12) and the extents of post-gel intramolecular reaction which, in the limit of ideal gelling systems, lead to inelastic loop formation at complete reaction (p g). The values of pj g define the indicated values of Mg/M° and the reductions in shear moduli of the dry networks relative to those of the perfect networks (G/G° = Mc/Mc). The values of Pr g in the limit of reactants of infinite molar mass (v = < ) are denoted p°>°° in the text...

The positive intercepts in Figure 7 show that post-gel(inelastic) loop formation is influenced by the same factors as pre-gel intramolecular reaction but is not determined solely by them. The important conclusion is that imperfections still occur in the limit of infinite reactant molar masses or very stiff chains (vb - ). They are a demonstration of a law-of-mass-action effect. Because they are intercepts in the limit vb - >, spatial correlations between reacting groups are absent and random reaction occurs. Intramolecular reaction occurs post-gel simply because of the unlimited number of groups per molecule in the gel fraction. The present values of p , (0.06 for f=3 and 0.03 for f=4 are derived from modulus measure- ments, assuming two junction points per lost per inelastic loop in f=3 networks and one junction point lost per loop in f=4 networks. 

Significant Structures for Inelastic Loop Formation under Conditions of Random Reaction... 

It is shown that model, end-linked networks cannot be perfect networks. Simply from the mechanism of formation, post-gel intramolecular reaction must occur and some of this leads to the formation of inelastic loops. Data on the small-strain, shear moduli of trifunctional and tetrafunctional polyurethane networks from polyols of various molar masses, and the extents of reaction at gelation occurring during their formation are considered in more detail than hitherto. The networks, prepared in bulk and at various dilutions in solvent, show extents of reaction at gelation which indicate pre-gel intramolecular reaction and small-strain moduli which are lower than those expected for perfect network structures. From the systematic variations of moduli and gel points with dilution of preparation, it is deduced that the networks follow affine behaviour at small strains and that even in the limit of no pre-gel intramolecular reaction, the occurrence of post-gel intramolecular reaction means that network defects still occur. In addition, from the variation of defects with polyol molar mass it is demonstrated that defects will still persist in the limit of infinite molar mass. In this limit, theoretical arguments are used to define the minimal significant structures which must be considered for the definition of the properties and structures of real networks. 

Extrapolation of pj. g to the limit of zero pre-gel intramolecular reaction for given reaction systems shows that post-gel intramolecular reaction always results in network defects, with significant increases in Mg above Mg. Such post-gel intramolecular reaction is characterised as pg g. The variation of pg g with intramolecular-reaction parameters shows that even in the limit of infinite molar mass, i.e. no spatial correlation between reacting groups, inelastic loops will be formed. The formation may be considered as a law-of-mass-action effect, essentially the random reaction of functional groups. Intramolecular reaction under such conditions (p2 ) must be post-gel and may be treated using classical polymerisation theory. 

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