RUBBER AND RUBBER ELASTICITY: A REVIEW.

The physical basis of rubber elasticity is reviewed, particular attention being given to the dependence of elastic stresses upon the imposed strains and upon the molecular constitution of the rubber. Applications of this fundamental understanding to a variety of other phenomena, including thixotropic effects shown by rubbers containing particulate fillers, the crystallinity and rigidity of partially crystalline polymers, and the frictional properties of soft solids are also referred to. A brief survey is included of some important but still unsolved problems in rubber elasticity.