A Method for using Measurements of Shear Modulus to Estimate the Size and Thermodynamic Stability of Junction Zones in Noncovalently Cross‐Linked Gels

Abstract

ABSTRACT A set of equations has been derived from which it is possible to calculate from measurements of shear modulus for noncovalent gels the association constant for the formation of junction zones, the number average molecular weight of the junction zones and the number of cross‐linking loci per junction zone. It is assumed that the gels obey the theory of rubber elasticity and that the formation of junction zones is an equilibrium process subject to the law of mass action. The treatment is consequently valid only for very dilute, gels at concentrations close to the gel threshold.