Quantitative Modeling of the Stress‐Optical Properties of Polyethene Networks

Abstract

The Monte‐Carlo (MC) modeling of the deformation‐related properties of polymer networks due to Stepto and Taylor (1995a; 1995b) is applied to the stress‐optical behavior of polyethene (PE) networks published by Saunders (1954). Quantitative modeling is achieved on the bases of the realistic rotational‐isomeric‐state model of the PE chain, due to Abe, Jernigan, and Flory (1966), and the C–C and C–H bond polarizabilities of Denbigh (1940). Use of the C–H bond polarizablities of Bunn and Daubeny (1954) lead to calculated values of birefringence that greatly underestimate the experimental ones. Modeling of stress‐strain and birefringence‐strain behavior is also discussed. Finally, it is demonstrated, using PE and poly(ethylene terephthalate) as examples, that the prediction of stress‐optical behavior on the basis of Gaussian networks leads to results of variable accuracy.

Dedicated to Professor John L. Stanford on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Keywords:

• Monte Carlo modeling
• polyethene networks
• birefringence Gaussian networks

Notes

Dedicated to Professor John L. Stanford on the occasion of his 60th birthday.