Inclusion of mobile crosslinks and lateral crystallite growth in the theory of stress‐induced crystallization

The theory of stress‐induced crystallization is broadened to include a reshuffling of crosslink positions as a result of changing sizes of crystalline domains and multiple crystallites of varying lateral dimensions (i.e., lateral growth). A continuous state of equilibrium throughout the amorphous component of the stretched network is postulated and, consequently, effected by requiring crosslinks to anchor about their most probable locations, which vary continuously as crystallization changes. Such features incorporated into Flory's model of stress‐induced crystallization broaden its theoretical base, placing it on a stronger, more realistic foundation.