Mechanical and thermal behaviour of networks with “flexible” and “rigid” chains

“Rigid-rod” telechelics were synthesized via repetitive Diels-Alder reaction of biscyclohexadienes and bis(1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-diones). The bistriazolinediones were used in slight excess. The rigidity of the building blocks and the molecular weight were varied. Various amounts of these reactive telechelics are used to crosslink cis-1,4-polybutadiene. The mechanical and the thermal properties of these two-component networks were investigated by stress-strain, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic-mechanical measurements. The occurrence of microphase separation between the “rigid” and the “flexible” components is discussed to explain the properties of these materials.