This book is written by two former coworkers of the late P. J. Flory, and both of them are very active and highly esteemed scientists in the field of polymer networks. One of them (J. E. Mark) has developed new synthetic concepts for 20 years to obtain cross-linked materials with new and unconventional properties, the other (B. Erman) has specialized in problems concerning the theoretical description of rubberlike elasticity. However this book is not designed for experts in the area. Its approach is more that of an introductory course for chemists or engineers who wish to be confronted with the fundamental aspects of rubber-like elasticity and its molecular origin.
The first part of the book can be understood if the reader i s familiar with some basic concepts of physical chemistry. Here, some rubber-like materials are presented and typical probletns concerning network structure and routes of preparation are discussed. The basic theoretical concepts are presented without claiming completeness. Most of the logical steps are accompanied by references which simplify a reworking for readers with deeper interests. At the end of the first part, the dependence of the elastic force on deformation, temperature and structure is presented by means of typical examples of the authors' work. By reading through these chapters one becomes familiar with strain experiments and their physical meaning.