DOUBLE NETWORK ELASTOMERS FROM ORIENTED ELASTOMER NETWORK

摘要

A process for modifying elastomeric structures to improve mechanical properties involves subjecting a pre-cured shape of elastomeric material to an orientation technique to result in an oriented elastomeric material; and curing the oriented elastomeric material while maintaining the orientation of the elastomeric material under conditions effective to result in an elastomeric structure having a predetermined cross-link density and enhanced modulus, the magnitude of orientation being sufficient to result in the enhanced modulus. Typically, the orientation techniques used may include uniaxial extension, biaxial extension, simple shear, planar shear, and inflation. The elastomeric material is capable of strain induced crystallization or incapable of strain-induced crystallization. The enhanced modulus is obtained while at least maintaining failure performance of the elastomeric structure, and the conditions during the curing are sufficient to maintain a constant cross-link density in the double network elastomer while the modulus is enhanced.