THE CONTINUOUS CHAIN MODEL FOR THE ELASTIC EXTENSION OF POLYMER FIBERS IN THE GLASSY STATE

of linear polymers below the glass transition show a strong nonlinear deformation behavior even at small strains. The elastic modulus is a f ast increasing function of the strain. A new model for the description of the deformation of these fibers is presented. It is assumed that t he fiber consists of long and continuous polymer chains which do not b reak during the extension of the fiber. The deformation of the fiber i s calculated for finite strains and arbitrary values of the orientatio n parameter. Equations for the elastic stress versus strain curve and modulus versus strain curve have been derived. The model can be used f or the calculation of the modulus of isotropic fibers and sheets with uniplanar orientation as well. (C) 1997 The Society of Rheology.