X-Ray Study of Rubber Structure

Abstract

Abstract IT IS SHOWN by x-ray diffraction methods that a time interval is required to build up a fiber structure in stretched rubber. Four rather obvious types of explanation for this effect are pointed out, and serious objections to three of these are mentioned. The most probable explanation seems to be that time is required either to squeeze out unfavorably oriented molecules to the interfaces of fibers made up of favorably oriented molecules; or to pull out, in the direction of fiber-orientation, tangled portions of molecules. Such a picture would cause the easily stretched, favorably oriented molecules to assume the role usually played by the more solid phase of a gel, and would cause the less favorably oriented molecules (or portions of molecules) to play the part ordinarily played by the liquid phase of a gel.