Relations between limiting chain extensibility and ultimate swelling of swollen elastomers

Abstract

In this study, we study ultimate swelling characterized by limiting chain extensibility of swollen elastomers. Limiting chain extensibility is introduced into the Flory-Rehner theory. The derived inequality allows for analysis to provide an ultimate value of swelling ratio. This ultimate value is not exceeded at equilibrium swelling regardless of the set of material constants. Under uniaxial loading at equilibrium swelling, deswelling can occur even in tension.