GummiElastizität
Gummi Elastizität, often referred to as rubber elasticity, describes the unique mechanical behavior of elastomers. Unlike typical solids, which deform permanently when subjected to stress, elastomers can undergo very large elastic deformations and return to their original shape upon removal of the stress. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the molecular structure of rubber. Elastomers are composed of long, flexible polymer chains that are cross-linked at discrete points. When stretched, these chains uncoil and align in the direction of the applied force. The entropy of the system decreases as the chains become more ordered. Upon release of the stress, thermal motion causes the chains to recoil and return to their more random, entangled state, resulting in the recovery of the original shape.
The degree of cross-linking significantly influences the elastic properties. Higher cross-linking density leads to a stiffer