Physical properties of polymers–an introductory discussion

Physical characteristics of isolated molecules and bulk polymers are discussed briefly. The broad spectrum of mechanical properties resulting from changes in temperature and experimental time‐scale is introduced by first considering the time‐independent properties of elastomers under large deformations and then the effect of a progressive decrease in segmental mobility, leading eventually to glassy characteristics. The phenomenological theory of linear viscoelasticity along with time‐temperature superposition is outlined, and illustrative data are presented. Finally, phenomena resulting from volumetric relaxation processes are considered briefly. Copyright © 1973 Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc.