Rubber Flory-Erman model

Models of rubber elasticity have been reviewed for finite deformation and compared with experimental data by Boyce and Arruda (2000). A hybrid model of the Flory-Erman model for low stretch deformation and the Arruda-Boyce model for large stretch deformation is shown to give an accurate predictive description of Treloar s classic data over the entire stretch range for all deformation states. 

In the following sections typical experimental results obtained for different network systems and analyzed using several of the theoretical approaches are briefly reviewed. For a more extensive discussion, we refer the reader to a work by Han, Horkay, and McKenna [111] where a critical evaluation of many of the modem theories of molecular rubber elasticity was performed. Based on an analysis of carefully selected data sets reported in the literature, these authors concluded that, of the tested models, the Flory-Erman theory and its modified versions provided the best... 

In recent years, with the development of model networks it has been possible to prepare networks of controlled and junction functionality These are prepared by endlinking functionalized prepolymers with cross-linking agents of known functionality. Therefore, by choosing the appropriate molecular weight distribution of the prepolymers it is possible to prepare unimodal and bimodal networks. Mark and coworkers (5-11) have performed extensive studies on model networks to test the various theories of rubber elasticity. In the case of unimodal networks they find that the macroscopic properties such as stress or swelling ratios can be described reasonably well by the Flory-Erman theory (12,13). 

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