Theory 148/Rubber elasticity/Rate lens
Elasticity Follows Crosslink Rate
The claim
Rubber modulus is set by the rate of crosslink formation during vulcanisation rather than by cure time.
01Mechanism
Network density determines stiffness; the formation rate sets how much network exists at any moment.
02Prediction
Modulus should track crosslink rate.
03Refutation
Modulus tracking cure time would remove the rate.