Researches on the Structure of Rubber

Abstract

Abstract The theory according to which rubber consists of two components which normally are dissolved one in the other (Bary), is based on a number of physico-chemical observations, and is in general agreement with the results of x-ray work. The very nature of the x-ray diagrams substantiates the theory by introducing the idea that stretching rubber causes a separation of part of the dissolved component from its solvent (theory of Hauser and Mark). It may be concluded that rubber consists of a network of β-rubber which is capable of giving x-ray diagrams only when it is sufficiently condensed, that is, when its chains of carbon atoms have little freedom of oscillation. This result can be obtained either by freezing the rubber, which increases the proportion of the β-form, or by elongation, which expels the a-portion and concentrates the β-portion. This concept appears to explain all observations on the physical and mechanical properties of rubber.