Theory of deformation and strain‐induced crystallization of an elastomeric network polymer

A new theory of deformation and strain induced crystallization of network polymers has been developed. The effects of lattice vacancies, variation in distribution of trans and gauche bond conformations in stretched amorphous polymers, and the crystallite orientation in the partially crystalline stretched vulcanizate were considered in the evaluation of their partition functions. Stress‐extension ratio relationships were evaluated for the amorphous and semicrystalline polymers. The rise in melting temperature due to strain induced crystallization is discussed. The new theory seems to be in closer agreement with the actual strain‐induced crystallization process than earlier research.