Chain deformation in filled elastomers: a SANS approach

We present first direct results of SANS measurements of the form factor of matrix chains in a cross-linked, silica filled elastomer in the isotropic s tate. The structure of the secondary filler network of silica is investigat ed in parallel in the unlabeled analog at identical filling degrees. Limits of the scattering description of these 2-phase/3-components mixture an tes ted. This investigation is a pilot study in the understanding of the reinfo rcement process by silica in the deformed state. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.