End-linked polydimethylsiloxane networks were synthesized, and used to quan
tify the reduction due to crosslinking of both the extent and thermodynamic
stability of the crystalline phase. Networks of varying crosslink density
were isothermally crystallized at various temperatures. The consequent melt
ing points were found to be a linear function of the crystallization temper
ature, enabling equilibrium melting temperatures to be determined by extrap
olation. From the dependence of the equilibrium melting point on crosslink
density, it was determined that a network junction precludes roughly 8 adjo
ining chain units from incorporating into the crystal phase. This result is
consistent with the measured degree of crystallinity suppression in the ne
tworks.