Elastic Loss and Relaxation Times in Cross-Linked Polymers

The outlines of a theory of elastic loss in cross-linked polymers are developed on the basis of the ideas underlying the theory of dielectric loss of Fuoss and the writer and the three-dimensional network model of rubber structure proposed by James and Guth. The relaxation time distribution function for elastic loss is given in the approximation of free internal rotation of chain segments of the net. The influence of intermolecular hindering torques and network restraints on the relaxation time spectrum is discussed, but explicit calculations are postponed for a later report.