Probability Distribution Function of the Polymer End-to-End Molecule Vector after Retraction and its Application to Step Deformation

摘要

The classical Doi-Edwards model describes the dynamics of polymer strands between entanglements and predicts stress in linear polymers. This contribution considers the dynamics of whole molecules within the same tube picture. The probability distribution function of the end-to-end molecule vectors after deformation and retraction was calculated. The second moment of the distribution function coincides with that derived earlier by Doi and Edwards. The damping function shows considerably weaker thinning if the molecule end-to-end vector is considered as a Hookean spring. The present model describes one of the possible mechanisms leading to weaker damping exhibiting, e.g., by branched polymers.