A simple model for the swelling of polymer networks

The Flory–Rehner approach to the solvent swelling of polymer networks is modified so as to abandon the affine deformation assumption. Instead, it is assumed that swelling occurs by a process of disinterspersion of cross-link junctions, and relationships between chain expansion and segment concentration are established using the ideas of de Gennes. Using this approach, we also examine osmotic deswelling, aspects of phase equilibria, and the maximum observed in differential swelling measurements.