Contribution of entanglements to the modulus of end‐linked poly(ethylene oxide) networks

Poly(ethylene oxide) networks were made at 75 °C by end‐linking of short linear chains with an excess of Tolonate HDT, a tri‐functional aliphatic isocyanate. Molecular weights of poly(ethylene oxide)were 4000, 6000 and 12000. The observed elastic moduli were much higher than predicted from affine theory, indicating a large contribution from entanglements in contrast to the findings of previous studies. With increasing excess of cross‐linker, the contribution from entanglements levels off at a value of approximately 5 MPa which is in good agreement with the rubber plateau modulus of pure poly(ethylene oxide).