Rubber Elasticity: Thermodynamic Considerations and Entropic Forces

This lecture delves into the thermodynamic considerations of rubber elasticity, explaining the entropic nature of elastic deformation in polymers. It covers topics such as the incompressible nature of rubbers, the energetics and entropic components of the elastic force, and the statistical mechanical theory behind rubber elasticity. The lecture also discusses the empirical approaches to understanding rubber elasticity, the relationship between moduli and moduli of elasticity, and the limitations of the molecular theory of rubber elasticity. Furthermore, it explores the entanglement network in rubber elasticity, the properties of natural rubber, synthetic elastomers, and their various applications in industries.