Effect of chain length on the network modulus and entanglement

The viscoelasticity of a series of monodisperse molten polystyrenes was investigated over a wide molecular weight range (9200 to 756 300). The plateau modulus was determined as the value of G′ at the minimum of tan δ in the rubbery zone, because this point defines a gel-like viscoelastic behaviour. A possible dependence of the entanglement density on chain length was explored, as a recent model predicts such an effect. The experimental indication is that the onset of the entanglement network occurs rather abruptly around Me and that the entanglement density is constant for M >Me.